Pregnancy, folic acid reduces the risk of brain tumors during childhood by 32%
Folic Acid in Pregnancy: 32% Lower Risk of Childhood Brain Cancer
A new study finds that taking folic acid before and during pregnancy could reduce the risk of developing a brain tumor during childhood by up to 32%. The research was published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention by a team of Australian researchers led by Elizabeth Milne from the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research at the University of Western Australia. According to Milne, although this is an observational study, the association between the reduced risk of childhood brain tumors and folic acid intake during pregnancy is biologically plausible.
Why is folic acid needed during pregnancy?
Recommendations for folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy aim to minimize the risk that the fetus develops spina bifida. This serious malformation is due to a defect in neural tube development, the structure from which the child’s nervous system originates. A future mother who ensures sufficient folic acid before conception reduces the likelihood of developing many other neural tube defects linked to the lack of this essential nutrient.
Childhood brain tumors: another good reason to take more folic acid
The Australian study reveals an additional reason for women to take folic acid when planning to have a child. Analysis of supplement use by mothers, collected through specific questionnaires, showed that multivitamins and folic acid supplements are associated with a 32% reduction in the risk their children develop brain tumors during childhood. The study involved a total of 1,154 children (327 with brain tumors), making it the largest study conducted to date and suggesting folic acid supplements may really help prevent pediatric brain tumors. However, researchers still do not know the exact mechanisms behind this effect, which may also vary depending on the tumor type.
When to take folic acid
Based on these data, it is clear that having adequate folic acid stores before conception is essential for ensuring the proper development and health of the baby. For this reason, the Italian Ministry of Health recommends taking at least 0.4 mg of folic acid daily in the period before pregnancy and during the first three months after conception. Unfortunately, most pregnancies are unplanned, so a woman may find herself pregnant without having planned folic acid intake. Therefore, the best solution is to take folic acid regularly during the fertile years. It is important not to exceed 1 mg per day because, although not toxic, excessive doses can mask vitamin B12 deficiencies, which can be very dangerous. An alternative is to take activated folic acid, i.e., methylfolate, which does not mask B12 deficiency and is better absorbed than folic acid. Some products on the market, including VitaDHA Materna, contain methylfolate instead of folic acid found in most supplements. Only if a woman has previously had a child with neural tube defects do guidelines allow for up to 4 mg of folic acid daily.
Source Milne E, Greenop KR, Bower CI, Miller M, van Bockxmeer FM, Scott RJ, de Klerk NH, Ashton LJ, Gottardo NG, Armstrong BK, “Maternal use of Folic Acid and Other Supplements and Risk of Childhood Brain Tumors”, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2012 Aug 31.
