Here's a new reason to get plenty of folic acid during preconception and the first month of pregnancy: Research suggests this nutrient may reduce a baby's risk of autism.
Scientists at UC Davis will be publishing an article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition next month, detailing their latest findings about folic acid during pregnancy. The researchers studied pregnant women who took the recommended daily dose of 600 micrograms of vitamin B-9 (or its synthetic form, folic acid). When taken before conception and during the first month of pregnancy, folic acid appears to lower the risk of an autistic child.
According to ZeeNews, these findings align well with current knowledge of early fetal development. A baby's entire makeup is dependent on DNA transcription and translation, which in turn requires a process known as methylation. Folic acid can function as a methyl donor. This nutrient can therefore aid in processing the genetic code during critical fetal formation.
The brain is a particularly sensitive area of development during early pregnancy. Having plenty of folic acid around during brain formation may improve the overall outcome. Since autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, it makes sense that this condition may be tied to the levels of folic acid as they aid in brain construction.
It is reassuring for me to hear that there's something tangible I can do to cut my kids' risk of neurological problems. It seems like brain and behavioral problems are so common these days that just about anything might be to blame when they show up in a child. Well, I don't have control over everything that may affect my kids, but I can certainly take my prenatal vitamin daily and eat lots of folate-rich foods during pregnancy. Then at least I'll know I've done what I can to give my babies' brains the nutrients they need for proper development early on.
Did you take a prenatal vitamin or folic acid supplement during pregnancy? Tell us below in the comments section!