A recent study, unveiled on March 4, 2025, suggests that taking a higher dose of folic acid during the first trimester of pregnancy is not only safe but also associated with better verbal and behavioral skills in children by the age of six. The findings will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting in April 2025. This research provides new insights into the positive impact of folic acid on child brain health, particularly in early development stages.

The investigation involved 345 children, including those born to mothers with epilepsy and those without. Researchers categorized the participants based on the average daily intake of folic acid during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, ranging from no folic acid to doses exceeding 4.0 milligrams per day. The current recommended dosage for pregnant women is 0.4 mg per day, although women with epilepsy might require higher amounts.

To evaluate the effects of folic acid, children underwent several tests assessing their verbal abilities. For instance, they were asked to describe objects or actions using single words. Scores ranged from 70 to 130, with an average of 100, indicating standard performance. Parents also completed questionnaires to gauge their children's communication, social, and daily living skills, which contributed to an overall standardized behavioral score.

After adjusting for variables such as maternal IQ, epilepsy medications, and pregnancy complications, researchers observed that children whose mothers took folic acid had significantly higher average verbal scores (108) compared to those who did not (96). Similarly, behavioral scores were notably higher for children of folic acid users (102) versus non-users (82).

Interestingly, within the group of children whose mothers took folic acid, there was little variation in outcomes across different dosages. Both low-dose and high-dose groups showed comparable average verbal and behavioral scores, suggesting that higher doses do not necessarily provide additional benefits.

These findings offer reassurance to expectant mothers that higher doses of folic acid in early pregnancy may enhance their child's brain health without adverse effects. However, further studies are essential to determine the optimal dose that maximizes benefits while minimizing potential risks. The research underscores the importance of continued exploration into prenatal nutrition and its long-term impacts on child development.