Folate is in the news again, this vitamin of the B group is one that I have often written about especially with regards pregnancy and the prevention of birth defects, as well as links to premature births and low birth weights. This time researchers (1) have linked low folate during pregnancy and ADHD in the child after birth.
The researchers (1) started their investigation by introducing the fact that good nutrition during pregnancy is really important and has been linked to foetal brain development. Poor nutrition during pregnancy may adversely affect brian development and contribute to problems in childhood. The researchers wanted to assess whether maternal folate status and maternal dietary folate intake during pregnancy was linked to brain growth and childhood behavioural difficulties in the children.
The study (1) followed a cohort of women from early pregnancy. The mothers red blood cell folate levels were measured at 14 weeks of pregnancy and the total folate intake from food and supplements was assessed in early and late pregnancy. When the children were born their head circumference and body weight were measured and then at the age of 8.75 years old 100 mothers reported on their children’s behaviour.
Lower maternal red blood cell folate levels and lower total folate intake were associated with higher incidence of childhood hyperactivity and problems with peer group at school in the children. A higher red blood cell folate level was associated with greater head circumference at birth and lower levels of hyperactivity/inattention and peer problems in children. Authors of the study note that the associations were small but “our data provide preliminary support for the hypothesis that lower folate status in early pregnancy might impair fetal brain development and affect hyperactivity/inattention and peer problems in childhood”. The study only shows an association and it might be that mothers with a good folate level have overall better diets which impact brain development in foetus.
Previously written about ADHD and the importance of omega 3 fats in particular. A balanced, healthy diet in pregnancy is vital for many reasons and may prevent a number of conditions. Eating well and considering a pregnancy-safe multi-nutrient supplement is certainly worth discussing with your midwife or GP. In a press release (2) the lead author noted:
“Our findings further support the hypothesis that maternal nutrition contributes to an individuals’ development, with potential consequences for their behavior later in life.” The long term effects of poor maternal nutrition may even branch out to the child’s ability to interact with peers or form social bonds (1,2). The researchers also found that children born from mothers with a low folate status had a notably smaller head circumference at birth, which may indicate a smaller rate of prenatal brain growth in children adversely affected by low folate levels. The researcher note that the findings indicate a cause for concern among populations where the nutritional health of the mother is low, and women may be less likely to take folate supplements in advance of pregnancy.
(1)Schlotz et al. 2009. Lower maternal folate status in early pregnancy is associated with childhood hyperactivity and peer problems in offspring. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2009; [Epub] DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2009.02182.x
(2) Wiley-Blackwell (2009, October 28). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity Problems Associated With Low Folate Levels In Pregnant Women. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 28, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028134631.htm
Written by Ani Kowal
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