Folic acid, a B vitamin, is essential during the early stages of human development. It plays a critical role in the formation of the neural tube, which eventually becomes the brain and spinal cord. Pregnant women who don’t get enough folic acid in their diet risk giving birth to a child with neural tube defects like spina bifida or anencephaly. Moreover, a lack of folic acid during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of autism.
A groundbreaking study
Norwegian scientists conducted a significant study involving over 85,000 children born between 2002 to 2008. In the study, pregnant women who took folic acid supplements from four weeks before conception to eight weeks into pregnancy exhibited a 40% reduced risk of giving birth to children with autism spectrum disorders, particularly childhood autism, the most severe form.
While determining the root cause of autism is complex and difficult to pinpoint, there is growing evidence linking the condition to an insufficient prenatal intake of folic acid. According to the study, many pregnant women commonly consume less dietary folate (the natural form of folic acid) than is required to prevent birth defects.
Although the study does not prove that folic acid supplements can fully prevent childhood autism, the findings are so apparent that they constitute a reasonable argument to continue examining possible causal mechanisms. Furthermore, it should be ascertained whether folic acid is associated with a reduced risk of other brain disorders in children, says Pål Surén, a researcher with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
How much folic acid should a pregnant woman take?
It is recommended that women of child-bearing age should take 400 micrograms (mcg) daily of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects in a developing fetus. Pregnant women should increase their daily intake of folic acid to 600 mcg. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), additional folic acid intake may prevent neural tube defects in up to 70% of cases (source).
It’s also important to note that the body absorbs folic acid more efficiently from dietary sources than from supplements. Foods high in folate are essential to include in a balanced diet before and during pregnancy. Folate-rich foods are:
- Leafy green vegetables
- Peas, beans, and lentils
- Fortified breakfast cereals
- Enriched flours, pasta, and rice
- Oranges and orange juice
- Nuts and seeds
Additional benefits of folic acid
The benefits of folic acid aren’t limited to pregnant women and developing fetuses. Along with reducing the risk of autism and neural tube defects, adequate folic acid intake promotes heart health, boosts brain function, and helps prevent anemia. Here’s a list of other potential benefits provided by folic acid:
- Reducing the risk of stroke: Higher levels of folate have been shown to decrease the risk of stroke in both men and women, according to a comprehensive review of studies published in the journal Lancet (source).
- Promoting heart health: Optimal levels of folate may help reduce the risk of developing heart problems. Consuming more folic acid can help lower homocysteine levels, a common amino acid linked to an increased risk of heart disease (source).
- Enhancing brain function: Various studies have suggested that taking folic acid supplements may improve cognitive function, particularly among older adults. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that even a daily low-dose supplement significantly improved memory, information processing speed, and overall cognitive function (source).
- Preventing anemia: Sufficient folic acid intake helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, a condition characterized by large red blood cells that can’t carry enough oxygen. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and eventual tissue and organ damage (source).
Takeaway
Although the relationship between folic acid and autism is yet to be fully understood, sufficient folic acid intake during pregnancy is essential for various aspects of human development, including the formation of the brain and spinal cord.
If you’re planning a pregnancy or have recently become pregnant, consider increasing your folic acid intake through either supplements or a diet rich in folate. Discuss your options with a medical professional to ensure you’re taking the right steps for your needs and the health of your baby.
