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Upon finding out that they are pregnant, most expecting mothers immediately begin the search for pregnancy vitamins and supplements. Folic acid is highly recommended for pregnant women, as it helps to prevent the development of spinal and neural defects in newborns. Now, research indicates that this nutrient can also lower the risk of giving birth to a child with autism.
The Journal of The American Medical Association has recently published a study by researchers at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. The study, which examined over 85,000 children from across the country, found that consuming folic acid during the 4 weeks before becoming pregnant and the first 8 weeks of pregnancy significantly reduced the risk of autism.
The results should influence parents to add an additional step to their plans for pregnancy. Women should consume 400 micrograms of folic acid at least one month before attempting to get pregnant, and take another 600 micrograms once the nine months officially begin.
Most prenatal vitamins will include up to 800 micrograms of folic acid, and there are plenty of foods such as lentils, spinach, broccoli, asparagus and citrus fruits that are also highly concentrated in folic acid. However, researchers stress that the foods alone won’t provide enough folic acid – the body absorbs the vitamins more effectively. As a result, doctors recommend a healthy balance between the two.