Does Folic Acid Prevent Autism? The Truth You Need to Know

What is Folic Acid, and Why is it Important?

Folic acid. We hear about it all the time, especially when it comes to pregnancy and prenatal care. It's that vitamin that doctors tell you to take, but honestly, most people don't really know why it's so important. Well, folic acid is a form of vitamin B9 that plays a huge role in cell division and the formation of DNA. For pregnant women, it’s especially crucial in preventing neural tube defects in babies.

Honestly, I remember when I was pregnant, my doctor kept stressing how vital it was. I took those pills every day without really understanding the full picture, but let’s get real: could it actually help prevent autism too? That’s the million-dollar question that a lot of parents, including myself, have asked.

Does Folic Acid Really Prevent Autism?

Now, let’s get to the big question: does folic acid have any effect on preventing autism? There’s been a lot of buzz about this, but it’s not as straightforward as some might think. Over the past few years, studies have explored whether folic acid supplements, especially taken during pregnancy, could reduce the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children.

The Science Behind the Studies

Here’s where it gets interesting. A 2013 study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that women who took folic acid supplements before and during early pregnancy had a lower risk of having a child with autism. The researchers found that the risk of autism dropped by as much as 40% when folic acid was taken. Sounds great, right? But before you jump to conclusions, let's dive a little deeper.

I spoke with a colleague, Dr. Claire, who's worked in pediatric research for years, and she pointed out that while some studies show a correlation, it doesn’t necessarily prove causation. In simpler terms, just because there’s a relationship doesn’t mean one directly causes the other. So, it’s still up in the air.

What Other Studies Say

Actually, some studies have raised concerns. Not all the data lines up perfectly. A 2017 study published in Autism Research found that taking too much folic acid could potentially lead to other issues, like neurodevelopmental delays. The science here is still evolving, and researchers continue to debate whether high doses of folic acid have negative impacts on fetal development. So, what’s the bottom line here? There’s evidence on both sides, and it’s not completely clear if folic acid alone can prevent autism.

Can Folic Acid Supplementation Have Other Benefits?

Alright, so we’re still unsure about folic acid's role in autism prevention, but let’s talk about the other benefits. If you’re pregnant or planning to be, folic acid is a must, no question. As I mentioned earlier, it helps prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida. And it doesn’t just stop there – folic acid also supports your body’s overall health and reduces the risk of preterm birth.

Honestly, I was a bit of a skeptic before I started taking folic acid during my pregnancy. But I can tell you from personal experience, I definitely noticed some benefits in terms of energy and overall well-being. Maybe it was the vitamins, maybe it was just the glow of pregnancy, who knows?

The Bottom Line: Folic Acid and Autism

So, here’s the thing. While there’s some interesting research suggesting folic acid might reduce the risk of autism, it’s far from conclusive. It’s one of those topics where the science is still unfolding, and the truth might not be as clear-cut as we want it to be. You can’t rely on folic acid alone to prevent autism, but it’s still a vital part of prenatal care that offers a wide range of benefits.

Honestly, if you’re pregnant or planning to be, it’s still a good idea to take folic acid. Just don’t get caught up in thinking it’s a magical cure-all for autism. It’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor about the right dosage and whether it fits with your health goals.

And, hey, if you’re not sure what to believe, trust your doctor. They’ve got the expertise to help guide you through it all.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.