Attention-deficit/hyperactivity problems in kids linked to low folate levels in mums-to-be
29 Oct 2009, 1448 Hrs

Add comment          Mail          Print          Write to Editor

Washington, Oct 29 Low levels of healthy folate in mothers could make their kids susceptible to having attention-deficit/hyperactivity problems at age seven to nine years, a new study has found.

It has long been suggested that healthy folate (the natural form of folic acid) levels in expectant mothers is linked with healthy nervous system development in their children.

"Our findings further support the hypothesis that maternal nutrition contributes to an individuals' development, with potential consequences for their behavior later in life," said Dr. Wolff Schlotz.

The long-term effects of poor maternal nutrition may even extend to the child's ability to interact with peers or form social bonds.

The researchers also found that children born from mothers with a low folate status had a notably smaller head circumference at birth, which may indicate a smaller rate of prenatal brain growth in children adversely affected by low folate levels.

This is a cause for concern among low-income populations where the nutritional health of the mother is a low priority, and women are less likely to take folate supplements in advance of pregnancy.

The study is published in an upcoming issue of The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. (ANI)

Related Latest

Beckham stayed at Galaxy to enable kids to get a "normal" schooling Italy police arrests two Pak nationals linked to 26/11 attacks Green lifestyle statement: Bangalore kids cycle to school Simple, low cost method helps locate landmines Bone implant raises hopes for kids with skull deformities Green lessons for school kids - in lap of nature Mums-to-be with multiple sclerosis less likely to suffer complications Saliva to help diagnose age-related problems in women Toddlers, fat kids suffer most from secondhand smoke Tibetan art and manuscripts found in Himalayan caves linked to mythical "Shangri-La"

Related Latest

US to give crucial information on Headley-Rana accomplice's 26/11 role to India Restoration of Mughal road in J-K heads towards completion China wants a Chinese version of Tibetan Buddhism, says Dalai Lama Cultural heritage of Manipur showcased in Sikkim Green Park stadium's scoreboard, the only manually operated scoreboard in India Dalai Lama hopes PM will discuss Tibet issue with the U.S. leadership 3 injured in fire at Jodhpur's handloom showroom White House prepares for first state visit by Manmohan Singh Bamboo fencing on Nainital's hillside roads to prevent mishaps Indian Navy vessel on solo circumnavigation of world reaches New Zealand

• US to give crucial information on Headley-Rana accomplice's 26/11 role to India
• Restoration of Mughal road in J-K heads towards completion
• Cultural heritage of Manipur showcased in Sikkim
• Green Park stadium's scoreboard, the only manually operated scoreboard in India
• White House prepares for first state visit by Manmohan Singh

• भारतीय क्रिकेट की मजबूत दीवार
• कंगारूओं के आगे ढेर, चीतों से कैसे मुकाबला करेंगें शेर
• Reducing greenhouse gases may not be enough to slow global warming
• बीकानेर महापौर चुनावः एक विश्लेषण
• Deepawali: The Festival Of Lights