News

5th August 2005

Birthweight linked to folic acid

Expectant mothers who have low levels of folate during the early months of their pregnancy are more likely to give birth to smaller babies.

It is estimated that around 7 per cent of all babies born in the UK are low birth weight - defined as less than 2.4kg (5.5lbs) which increases the risk of serious health problems including respiratory disorders and diabetes.

The research, which is published in the British Journal of Nutrition, was carried out by the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and involved 1000 pregnant women and their babies.

It is the first time that folate, also known as folic acid or Vitamin B9, has been linked to birth weight although women are already advised to take the vitamin if they are trying to conceive and through the early months of pregnancy.

Taking folic acid in early pregnancy is already known to reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

Medical evidence suggests that folic acid influences birth weight because it is an essential nutrient for growth and plays a role in gene expression in the foetus.

The Newcastle team are calling for bread and cereals to be routinely fortified with folic acid.

Lead researcher Dr Caroline Relton said, "Folic acid is highly important in preventing birth defects which affect a small number of pregnancies.

"This study suggests that it is also important in every pregnancy to help the developing baby reach a healthy birth weight.

"However, many women are missing this critical window in the first few weeks of gestation during which their baby really needs folic acid to grow and develop.

"The evidence from this study strengthens the argument for fortifying everyday foods like bread and cereals with folic acid.

"Fortifying a range of foods promises to be a more effective solution than a campaign to encourage women to take folic acid supplements.

"Our previous research shows younger women and those from deprived backgrounds are less likely to take these supplements, and although some cereals are currently fortified in the UK, they tend to be the more expensive, brand-name products."

The Food Standards Agency has opposed fortification of foodstuffs with folic acid as it is concerned increasing the amount of folic acid we eat could make it harder to spot a deficiency of vitamin B12, which can lead to neurological damage.

However, it will reconsider its position after an investigation by a top team of scientists reports on the issue later this year.

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