Does Maternal Folate Curb Kid's Obesity?

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A new study claims that sufficient levels of folic acid when pregnant can play a role in preventing obesity in the child. Even if a mother is obese, enough intake of folic acid during the pregnant phase may reduce the chances of obesity in the child.

Folic acid is nothing but vitamin B and it is important during pregnancy to reduce the risk of certain defects in the foetus.

We already know the fact that the diet of a pregnant mother can impact the child in the long run. In fact, the diet during pregnancy can also affect the health of a mother after pregnancy.

So, this study basically claims that maternal folate can play a role in minimising the chances of obesity in the child.

Folate or folic acid is said to prevent certain types of spinal cord and brain defects in a foetus which is in its developing stage. But now, this study says that this nutrient can also minimise the risk of obesity.

Generally, obesity could cause several complications during pregnancy. It could also increase the risk of premature births, still births and several other birth defects.

Also, children of obese mothers could have a higher risk of suffering childhood obesity too. And then obese mothers generally have low levels of folate levels in them.

Also, researchers say that children of women who showed low levels of folic acid when they were pregnant, displayed a higher risk of obesity.

So, researchers say that enough of folic acid intake during pregnancy can keep obesity of the child at bay.

It is better to consult your gynecologist to know about the optimum dosage of folic acid during pregnancy.