Folic acid supplements taken four to eight weeks before pregnancy appear to lower the risk of autism, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Researchers from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that mothers who took folic acid supplements in early pregnancy had a 40 percent lower risk of having children with autistic disorder compared with mothers who did not take folic acid.
It is well established that folic acid taken before and during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects. In fact, taken at least 3 months before pregnancy, folic acid supplements can reduce a baby's risk of spina bifida by 50%. And while more research needs to be done on the link between folic acid and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, this study certainly supports the need for prenatal supplements.
Another study on the important part folic acid plays in pregnancy - High Dose Folic Acid Supplementation Throughout Pregnancy for Pre-eclampsia Prevention - is now being run out of Ottawa. This CIHR funded clinical trial of women who are at high risk for developing pre-eclampsia is currently recruiting patients in multiple centres across Canada and around the world. Over 3500 women will be recruited to the trial in the next three years.
Researchers at the Kingston General Hospital would like to recruit 500 women for the trial. For more information and to determine if you are eligible to participate, see our information sheet and consent form [PDF].