Another benefit of folic acid during early pregnancy

Folic acid is gaining quite a lot of attention, in 2009 I mentioned it with regards the prevention of birth defects, prevention of premature births, low birth weights and also ADHD.  Recently a study (1) has also found that folic acid use pre-pregnancy and in early pregnancy is associated with a reduced risk of congenital heart defects (heart abnormality present from birth) in newborns.

The study scientists(1) looked at over 600 mothers who had delivered infants with heart defects (but without any genetic or related abnormalities).  These were compared to a ‘control’ group.  Folic acid use was associated with a reduced risk of congenital heart disease in infants  “Use of periconceptional folic acid supplements (of at least 400micrograms a day) was related to approximately 20% reduction in the prevalence of any CHD. Given the relatively high prevalence of CHD worldwide, our findings are important for public health” (1)

The authors note that the findings could be very significant since heart related birth defects can be quite common occurring in up to 2 newborns in every 100 worldwide.  When results were further broken down to look at specific heart defects it was found that women taking folic acid supplements had almost a 40% lower risk of having a child with a heart defect involving the septum, a part of the heart which separates one side of the heart from the other, compared to that of the general population (1).  This is a preliminary study but certainly deserves attention.  Further research would be necessary before any firm conclusions could be drawn

Folic acid supplements have long been recommended for all pregnant women, women planning on becoming pregnant and also women of childbearing age.  The reason for this recommendation is that folic acid is crucial for optimal foetal development very early in pregnancy, at a time when many women do not realise they are even pregnant.  At this early stage this nutrient of the B-vitamin group is known to prevent neural tube (brain and spinal cord) birth defects such as spina bifida.

If you are planning pregnancy or a woman of childbearing age who could fall pregnant it is certainly worth taking a multi-nutrient supplement which contains folic acid.  Specific supplements are available for pregnant women and those planning pregnancy and it is always a good idea to check with your doctor or midwife before starting supplementation.

Foods particularly rich in folate include leafy vegetables such as spinach, asparagus, turnip greens, lettuces, dried or fresh beans and peas, fortified cereal products, sunflower seeds, yeast extract, liver and liver products.

(1) van Beynum IM et al.  2009.  Protective effect of periconceptional folic acid supplements on the risk of congenital heart defects: a registry-based case-control study in the northern Netherlands. Eur Heart J. [Epub ahead of print]
Written by Ani kowal

Related posts:

1. Folic acid may be linked to the prevention of congenital heart defects
2. Taking folic acid before pregnancy is associated with a reduction in premature birth
3. Study links folic acid supplementation and DNA changes in newborn babies
4. Folate may be related to cancer prevention in women
5. Can vitamin B12 help to prevent birth defects?