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A new study suggests that taking a higher dose of folic acid during the first trimester of pregnancy is not only safe but may also enhance verbal abilities and behavioral skills in children by age six. The preliminary findings were released on March 4, 2025, ahead of their presentation at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting, scheduled for April 5–9, 2025, in San Diego and online.
The Role of Folic Acid in Pregnancy
Folic acid is widely recognized for its role in reducing birth defects and promoting cognitive development. However, the optimal dosage has remained a subject of debate.
“Folic acid during pregnancy has been shown to reduce deformities and improve intellectual abilities in children, but the best dose of folic acid is unknown,” said study author Dr. Kimford J. Meador of Stanford University. “Our study provides new information showing a positive connection between taking folic acid during early pregnancy and brain health outcomes in children, with no evidence of negative effects at higher doses.”
Study Findings
The research examined 345 children at age six, including 262 children of women with epilepsy and 83 children of women without epilepsy. Researchers categorized the children based on their mothers’ folic acid intake during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy:
- No folic acid
- Up to 0.4 mg per day
- More than 0.4 to 1.0 mg per day
- More than 1.0 to 4.0 mg per day
- More than 4.0 mg per day
The current general recommendation for pregnant women is 0.4 mg daily, while women with epilepsy are often prescribed higher doses. The study found that children whose mothers took folic acid had an average verbal score of 108, compared to 96 in children whose mothers did not take folic acid. Behavioral scores averaged 102 for children of mothers who took folic acid, compared to 82 for those whose mothers did not.
Among children whose mothers took folic acid, scores remained similar regardless of the dose. Those exposed to lower doses had an average verbal score of 110, while those exposed to higher doses scored 108. Similarly, both groups had an average behavioral score of 103.
Implications and Future Research
While previous studies have raised concerns about potential risks associated with higher folic acid doses, these findings suggest that higher intake during early pregnancy does not negatively impact neurodevelopment.
“These findings are reassuring for people who are pregnant or planning to have children that taking a higher dose of folic acid early in pregnancy may still positively impact the brain health of their child,” Meador noted. “Additional studies are needed to determine the best dose of folic acid to maximize benefits and minimize risks.”
The researchers acknowledged a limitation in their study, as it did not account for factors such as genetic variations and other vitamins that might influence folic acid absorption.
Disclaimer: This article is based on preliminary findings and should not be taken as medical advice. Pregnant individuals should consult their healthcare providers before making any changes to their folic acid intake.
Provided by the American Academy of Neurology.
