Maternal Folic Acid supplementation during pregnancy and children’s psychological wellbeing

Abstract

Objectives: Research suggests that folic acid supplements taken during the first trimester of pregnancy can have beneficial effects on children’s brain development. Little is known if continued supplementation throughout pregnancy has any additional effect, particularly psychological effects. Design: Randomised controlled trial of folic acid supplementation in pregnancy, with parental rating of psychological well-being. Method: Children aged 6 years whose mothers received folic acid through out pregnancy (n= 23) were compared to those whose mothers only receive the supplement during the first trimester (n=16) on parental ratings of resilience and emotional intelligence. Results: Preliminary results showed children whose mothers received the supplement scored significantly higher on Emotional Intelligence (t=2.487, p<.01) and Resilience (t= 2.944, p<.01). Conclusions: Folic acid supplementation continued throughout pregnancy may enhance aspects of psychological development in children.