Folic Acid Linked to Childrens Emotions, Behavior

MADRIDWomen with low levels of folic acid in early pregnancy increase the risk of their children developing emotional and behavioral problems, according to new research presented at the 11th European Nutrition Conference.

Researchers, participating in the NUTRIMENTHE research project to examine the role diet plays in the mental performance of children. For this study, they investigated how the diet of pregnant women, babies and children affects mental development later on. Specifically, the examined folic acid, which is found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, legumes and oranges.

They found women who did not use folic acid during the early stages of pregnancy were more likely to have children who displayed emotional problems, such as being withdrawn, by the age of 18 months.

We know that folic acid is important in the prevention of spinal cord defects," the researchers said. But we wanted to investigate what happens later in childhood, to emotional and behavioral development"

The findings support previous research linking folic acid to brain health in children. A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics found teenagers who consume higher amounts of dietary folate have higher academic scores compared to teens with lower levels.