Folic Acid Linked to Healthy Brain Development Through Childhood

Nutrition is absolutely essential to the proper and normal function of a human body. This is particularly important for infants and children, who need a wide variety of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to be able to develop normally as they grow into adults. While a person who has already finished their adult growth might suffer various health maladies from improper nutrition, these are usually temporary and can be corrected if a more rounded diet is resumed. With children, however, chronic nutritional deficiencies can leave them at risk for lifelong problems when their bodies miss out on what’s needed during the most critical phase of their growth.

Folic acid is key in the healthy development of the brain. Researchers looked at children and tracked folic acid deficiencies along with various neurological characteristics and symptoms as the children aged. They discovered the brain’s cortex was thinner in those who had folic acid deficiencies. This was connected to reduced intelligence, and in more extreme cases also a greater risk of psychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

This deficiency is dangerous for the children even prior to birth; if their mother does not maintain proper nutrition. Even if it requires prenatal vitamins, mothers need to heed medical recommendations and ensure their children have the best chance to grow up healthy and vibrant.