Friday, April 03, 2009

Folic acid before conception boosts birth weight

Supplements of folic acid before conception may increase the birth of the baby by over 60 grams. Starting folic acid supplementation before becoming pregnant was also associated with a 57 per cent reduction in the risk of low birth weight, and a 60 per cent reduction in the risk of a baby that was small for gestational age (SGA), according to findings published online ahead of print in the British Journal of Nutrition.

The Dutch researchers, led by Sarah Timmermans from Erasmus MC, analysed data on 6,353 pregnancies and considered the effects of folic acid supplementation (400 to 500 micrograms per day) before, during, and after conception on the birth weight of the infants. The Generation R Study found that folic acid supplementation before conception was linked with heavier babies, and heavier placentas (13 grams more), compared to the infants of women who did not take any folic acid supplements. Benefits were recorded for women who started the folic acid supplements after having their pregnancy confirmed, with an association noted for a 39 per cent reduction in the risk of low birth weight. Starting folic acid supplementation before falling pregnant was associated with reductions of over 50 per cent in the risks of low birth weight and small for gestational age (SGA). “In conclusion, periconception folic acid supplementation is associated with increased fetal growth resulting in higher placental and birth weight, and decreased risks of low birth weight and SGA,” concluded Timmermans and her co-workers.

Steve - yet more evidence of the benefits of folic acid. What is even more important about this study is that it shows how crucial it is to take a prenatal/multi before conception, not just when you get pregnant.

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