Hyperactive kids? Blame it on low folate during pregnancy
The risk of peer problems and childhood hyperactivity increases if folate levels were lower during early pregnancy, a new study has revealed.
According to researchers fetus brain development is a critical process which happens during early pregnancy. Lower folate levels may hamper this process.
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry features this study, a first of its kind that provides relationship between behavioural outcomes in the offspring and folate levels.
For the study 100 mothers right from their early pregnancy till a period of 8 years were monitored.
The study was conducted by researchers from the University College London's Institute of Child Health and University of Southampton.
Questionnaires and blood samples that measured folate pointed out that mothers who had lower folate levels were associated with peer problems and higher childhood hyperactivity.
Birth defects especially that of the spinal cord and the brain can be prevented by taking folate during early pregnancy. Neural tube defects occur during first 3 to 4 weeks of a pregnancy and can be prevented, but most mothers are not aware they are pregnant.
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