Taking Two Supplements During Pregnancy May Reduce Autism Risk by 30%
Summary
A study by Australian researchers suggests that taking folic acid and multivitamins during pregnancy may lower the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children by up to 34%. This research reviewed over three million participants from various studies and found that prenatal vitamins could significantly reduce autism risk.Key Facts
- The study was conducted by Australian researchers and involved an umbrella review, which is a high-level analysis of existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
- Data from 101 primary studies with more than three million participants were examined.
- Women taking folic acid had a 30% lower risk of having a child with ASD.
- Prenatal multivitamins were linked to a 34% reduction in autism risk.
- Folic acid is important for neural tube development in the fetus during early pregnancy.
- Previous studies on prenatal supplements had mixed results due to variations in supplements and diagnostic methods for ASD.
- Researchers found the protective effects of folic acid and multivitamins to be "highly suggestive."
- Experts advise careful use of multivitamins due to varying effects and risks, such as gestational diabetes.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.