ADHD: Folic Acid Deficiency in Pregnancy as a Cause?
November 9th 2009 -
A low folate levels during pregnancy appears to increase the risk that the child later developed an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This recent study by British researchers result supports the longstanding assumption that folic acid affects the development of the nervous system in fetuses.
The scientists were at 100 expectant mothers in the 14th Week of pregnancy, the amount of folate in red blood cells measured. They also determined how much folic acid to women in the early and late pregnancy increased – both in food and from supplements. The head circumference and weight of children at birth and during childhood were recorded. When the offspring were eight to nine years old, the mothers filled out questionnaires about possible problems in the behavior of their offspring.
The analysis of the collected data gave a clear result: a low folic acid levels and low folic acid intake in early pregnancy increased the probability of a subsequent child’s hyperactivity and problems in dealing with peers. Moreover, were the offspring of pregnant women with low folic acid levels at birth, a smaller head – possibly a sign of slower brain growth in the womb.
“Our results support the hypothesis that maternal nutrition affects the development of the child writes – with serious consequences for his behavior in later life,” study author Schlotz in a statement. The new findings are especially significant for low-income families, where attention to the nutrition of pregnant women is often little and too rare to take folic acid preparations before a planned pregnancy. For an undisturbed development of the child’s nervous system from the start, experts recommend starting about two months before conception, with the use of Foläsure too.
Tags: ADHD, folic acid
