Folic Acid Intake – Is it Linked to Autism?

Recently, there was an uproar in social media over the statement of an influencer that owns a herbal supplement company. She claims that the intake of folic acid supplement causes autism.

Folic acid is a type of vitamin B. It is usually supplemented to ladies by hospitals and clinics before conceiving and during pregnancy. Sufficient amount of folate ensures development of red blood cells and reduces neural tube defects which affects the development of baby’s brain, skull and spinal cord.

Recommended intake of folic acid

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for folic acid is 600-800 mcg daily (or the equivalent) for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive.

Folic acid can also be found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread and beans. There are also foods fortified with folic acid such as bread, grains, pasta and rice. The average daily intake of folic acid lies at 400mg.

The definition of over-supplementing with folic acid equals to consuming more than 1000mg and this should be avoided.

What causes autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

There is no singular cause of ASD and the manifestations are in a spectrum. Some kids have mild symptoms and some severe. Many different factors have been identified that makes a child more prone to have ASD and that includes factors like environmental, biological and genetic.
Various drugs such as valproic acid, thalidomide, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and acetaminophen (paracetamol) used during pregnancy have been associated with the development of ASD.

Other purported causes of ASD includes heavy mental, microplastic and additives, alcohol consumption, vitamin D deficiency and many more.

What do studies say?

Multiple studies link prenatal folic acid supplementation to lowered odds of autism.

On the other hand, research have found that mothers who recently gave birth and have 4x more than normal levels of folic acid, the risk of having an autistic child doubles.

Excess folic acid supplementation had similar effects as folic acid deficiency in a study done on mice. The experimental mice in this study ingested 10 times more much folic acid than controls.

To summarize, these studies does not mean folic acid should be avoided — just that it should be taken in recommended quantities.

Reference:
1. Alexander E. Kalyuzhny. Folic Acid and Autism: A Systematic Review of the Current State of Knowledge. Cells.