Researchers from Curtin University in Australia and multiple universities in Ethiopia report that prenatal folic acid and multivitamin supplementation is associated with a roughly 30% lower risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children
Folic acid supports DNA methylation and epigenetic regulation that shape neurodevelopment and supports neural tube formation, processes linked to structural brain development. Multivitamin preparations typically provide vitamin B12, vitamin D, iodine, and other micronutrients that help maintain immune balance, modulate inflammation, and support neurotransmitter synthesis and amino acid metabolism, creating a nutritional context that may favor optimal fetal brain development and potentially lower ASD risk.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0334852
Dr. Reinhardt: Imagine how much stronger of association they would have found if they would have used real folate instead of fake folic acid! Common genetic variations from person to person determine if folic acid helps or hurts you. A good start to look at the science can be found at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39153125/