A Popular Supplement's Confusing Links With Autism Development

Pregnant people commonly take folic to avoid certain birth defects, but researchers haven't settled how the vitamin affects children's odds of developing autism spectrum disorders.

By Molly Glick
Jan 28, 2022 1:30 PMJan 28, 2022 1:34 PM
pregnant person with supplement
(Credit: Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

You may not have sought out supplements with folic acid, a synthetic version of the B vitamin folate, but you may have nevertheless consumed it today. It's a common ingredient in multivitamins and enriched products like bread, cereal, pasta and rice. Its naturally occurring counterpart is found in various foods, as well.

Folate is crucial for cell growth and, more specifically, neurodevelopment. In fact, folic acid supplementation can prevent certain brain and spine abnormalities in newborns known as neural tube defects. Folic acid, and folate more broadly, is therefore most helpful within the first month of pregnancy, when the tissues that later become the spinal cord begin to develop. But that early on, someone might not be aware they’re pregnant.

That’s why the U.S. government urges anyone who can become pregnant to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily. As of 1998, both the U.S. and Canada have required that enriched grain products be fortified with folic acid. Other countries, including Costa Rica and South Africa, have implemented similar rules, which may be linked to 25 to 50 percent declines in neural tube defects in many parts of the world.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2023 Kalmbach Media Co.