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Prenatal Vitamins Cut Autism Risk by 30%
19 Nov
Summary
- Prenatal vitamins linked to 30% lower autism risk.
- Folic acid alone showed a 30% reduction in risk.
- Australian study reviewed over three million participants.
New research from Australian scientists indicates that taking folic acid and multivitamin supplements during pregnancy could substantially lower the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. An extensive review of over three million participants across multiple studies found a 30% reduced risk of ASD for children whose mothers supplemented during pregnancy.
Both folic acid and multivitamin supplements demonstrated protective effects. Folic acid supplementation alone was associated with a 30% decrease in ASD risk, while multivitamins were linked to a 34% reduction. Experts emphasize the critical role of folic acid in fetal neural tube development during the first trimester.
While genetics are a primary factor in ASD, environmental influences, such as prenatal nutrition, are considered modifiable contributors. However, some experts caution that multivitamin formulations vary, and high doses may carry risks, advocating for personalized supplementation rather than a universal approach.
