Safety of Elevated Folic Acid Doses During Pregnancy Examined

Recent research has investigated the safety of higher doses of folic acid during the first trimester of pregnancy, revealing promising findings. A preliminary study presented at the American Academy of Neurology's upcoming annual meeting indicates that higher folic acid intake may enhance verbal abilities and behavioral skills in six-year-old children.

Folic acid, a B-vitamin, is known to play a crucial role in preventing neural tube defects and promoting cognitive development in infants. However, the optimal dosage remains unclear. This study, led by researchers from Stanford University, suggests that increased folic acid intake during early pregnancy correlates with improved brain health outcomes in children, without apparent negative effects associated with higher dosages.

The study evaluated 345 children, dividing them into two groups based on their mothers' health: those born to women with epilepsy and those born to women without the condition. Researchers documented the amount of folic acid consumed by mothers during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, categorizing the offspring into five groups according to the average daily dosage: no folic acid, up to 0.4 milligrams, more than 0.4 mg to 1.0 mg, more than 1.0 mg to 4.0 mg, and exceeding 4.0 mg. For reference, the standard recommendation for folic acid intake during pregnancy is 0.4 mg per day, while women with epilepsy may receive higher prescriptions.

To assess verbal and behavioral skills, children underwent various tests, including vocabulary assessments where they were required to describe images with single words. The scores for these evaluations typically range from 70 to 130, with an average score of 100. Additionally, parents completed questionnaires to evaluate their children's communication, social skills, and daily living abilities, contributing to an overall behavioral score.

After adjusting for variables such as maternal IQ, epilepsy medications, and complications during pregnancy, findings indicated that children whose mothers supplemented with folic acid had an average verbal score of 108, compared to 96 for those whose mothers did not take the supplement. The behavioral scores mirrored this trend, with children of mothers who consumed folic acid scoring an average of 102, while those without scored only 82.

Notably, when examining only the children of mothers who took folic acid, verbal scores remained consistent across all dosage levels, with children whose mothers consumed lower doses achieving an average score of 110, closely resembling the 108 score of those whose mothers took higher amounts. Behavioral scores were also similar, with both groups averaging 103.

These findings are particularly encouraging for expectant mothers, as previous research suggested potential risks associated with high folic acid doses. The study provides reassurance that higher folic acid intake during early pregnancy could positively influence a child's brain health. However, researchers stress the need for further studies to ascertain the ideal dosage that maximizes benefits while minimizing risks to neurodevelopment.

It is important to note that the study's limitations include the lack of consideration for other factors that might influence folic acid intake and absorption, such as the use of additional vitamins and genetic variables.