Could folic acid deficiency during pregnancy lead to childhood behavior problems later in life? According to a new Dutch study – yes. According to their findings, folic acid may be important not only for normal brain and spinal cord development, but also critical for the future mental well being of the unborn child.  

Folic Acid Defiency During Pregnancy: Behavior Problems Later?

In this groundbreaking study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, researchers showed that children born to mothers who didn’t take folic acid supplements during pregnancy had more difficulty “internalizing and externalizing problems” compared to children born to mothers who got supplemental folate during pregnancy. Researchers believe the inability of a child to internalize and externalize problems could lead to future childhood behavior problems.

This observation has some credibility since folate has already been deemed critical for development of a healthy nervous system in the unborn child. Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy has been associated with neural tube defects – conditions where the spinal cord doesn’t close properly which can cause partial paralysis of the lower extremities. In some cases, the brain doesn’t develop properly or not at all – a condition known as anencephaly. Since neural tube defects occur early in pregnancy, most obstetricians recommend that women take a folate supplement as soon as they know conception has occurred.

How Does Deficiency of Folic Acid Lead to Behavior Problems?

If this study is supported by further research, folate may be important not only for early development of a baby’s nervous system, but could also for behavior and mental well being later on. Folate is believed to have an effect on the delicate balance of neurotransmitters in the brain that alter mood and behavior. Neurotransmitter deficiencies and excesses have been associated with mood disorders such as anxiety and depression and even psychoses. A deficiency of folic acid during pregnancy could lead to subtle changes in neurotransmitter levels in the unborn child that could cause behavior problems and mental health issues during infancy, childhood, and even beyond.  

The Importance of Folic Acid Supplements

Should you take a folic acid supplement if you’re pregnant? In most cases, yes. Some experts recommend that all women of child bearing age take folic acid supplements since neural tube defects occur early in fetal development – sometimes before a woman even knows she’s pregnant. Of course, you should always talk to your obstetrician before starting a folic acid supplement. Folate is present naturally in such sources leafy vegetables, beans, and citrus fruits and is also added to some breads, cereals, and flour. Although in most cases it’s best to get folate naturally from foods, during pregnancy it may be necessary to take a folic acid supplement. This ensures the unborn baby has the lowest risk possible of developing nervous system complications. If you think you’re pregnant or plan on becoming so, talk to your doctor about folic acid supplements.