Research conducted by scientists in Norway has shown that mums-to-be who take folic acid during the first two months of pregnancy are less likely to have children with language learning delays.
The study of 40,000 pregnant women showed a relation between taking folic acid during pregnancy and the amount of words their children could say by the age of three.
Dr Ezra Susser who led the study told Reuters that the results ‘add weight to the public health recommendation to take folic acid early in pregnancy.’
It is already recommended that pregnant women take a daily dose of the vitamin, known to reduce the risk of having children who suffer from birth defects like spina bifida as well as cleft palate and heart defects. It can also reduce the risk of premature birth.
Folic acid can be found in supplements or in folic-rich foods such as beans and pulses. The recommended dose when trying for a baby or pregnant is 400mcg per day.
For further information on folic acid visit netdoctor.co.uk
