Folic Acid During Pregnancy Less Risky Gives Birth to the Son of Autism

Folic Acid During Pregnancy Less Risky Gives Birth to the Son of Autism

Pregnant women should maintain a balance of nutrients, including eating food containing folic acid. If it does not meet the requirements according to the recommended folic acid, then the risk to give birth to children with autism will increase.

Recent research has shown, the intake of folic acid or also known as Vitamin B-9 in pregnant women can reduce the risk of having children with growth disorders. Autism and Asperger syndrome are included in the disorder in question.


To that end, the researchers recommend that pregnant women especially in the first month of pregnancy to take folic acid at least 600 mcg (micrograms) / day. Fola acid intake with the recommended amount is proven to reduce the risk of birth of children with autism up to 38 percent.

"Folate is very critical in the early stages of life, as in the first year of life, when the brain is beginning to build connections and functionality," said Edward Quadros of the SUNY Downstate Medical Center who conducted the study as quoted by Reuters on Friday (6/8/2012 ).

In this study, nutritional history Quadros observed 429 mothers of children with autism spectrum and compared with 278 mothers whose children grow normally. The differences are most apparent in the study was the consumption of folic acid from supplements or food daily.

In the United States, folic acid was added in various types of cereals through food fortification program since 1998. During this period, pregnant women and children many problems of brain growth due to lack of folic acid.

Previously, studies do suggest that consumption of folic acid during pregnancy sangt necessary to prevent interference with brain and spinal cord in the fetus. But specifically, its relationship with risk of autism in children has not been proven.