Does lack of folic acid increase the risk of cerebral palsy? Research shows no direct link between low folic acid levels and a higher chance of cerebral palsy in babies. Folic acid, also called folate or vitamin B-9, plays a key role in healthy fetal brain growth, but studies focus more on its power to prevent other issues like neural tube defects.
Folic acid helps build the baby’s neural tube early in pregnancy, which forms the brain and spinal cord. Low levels of this vitamin raise the odds of defects such as spina bifida. One study found that many women have genes that make them prone to folate shortages, leading to these birth defects in their babies. Doctors now advise women to take the right dose of folic acid before getting pregnant and through the first months of pregnancy to stop most neural tube problems.
Cerebral palsy is different. It often comes from brain damage around birth, like from preterm delivery or low oxygen. Research points to treatments such as magnesium sulfate given to moms at risk of early labor to protect babies from cerebral palsy and other brain harm. Preterm babies also face higher risks of issues like jaundice, which can hurt the brain if not treated fast. Breathing problems, vision or hearing loss, and growth delays in these infants can sometimes tie into cerebral palsy risks, but folic acid does not appear in these findings.
Some work links folic acid shortages to odd fetal brain development, which might play a part in disorders like ADHD. A review of studies with over 29,000 people showed moms taking folic acid cut ADHD odds in kids by 14 percent. It may also help with autism traits, behavior, and language skills. Still, no proof connects this to cerebral palsy.
To lower birth defect risks, experts suggest at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily from a multivitamin for women planning pregnancy. This step is safe and simple, even if it does not target cerebral palsy directly.
Sources
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/about/accomplishments/contributions
https://www.adhdevidence.org/blog-tags/pregnancy
https://www.motherbabynutrition.org/information
https://www.dignityhealth.org/socal/services/baby-and-family/fetal-conditions
