18/11/2025
New research looking at prenatal folic acid and multivitamin supplementation and autism spectrum disorder was released this morning.
Melanie has shared a clear and balanced summary that helps put this study into context. Her post highlights something we see across our membership. Folate needs can vary greatly between women due to timing of conception, health status, and differences in how folate is metabolised.
This is why personalised, evidence based support from a prenatal dietitian is so important. Research like this reinforces the value of early nutrition intervention and the role dietitians play in supporting healthy pregnancies.
You can read Melanie’s full post below.
A new study released today suggests that taking folic acid or a prenatal multivitamin in early pregnancy may be linked with a lower risk of autism spectrum disorder.
This is interesting news, but it is important to understand what it means.
The study shows a link rather than a proven cause, so it does not tell us whether supplements alone reduce the risk of ASD.
What we do know is that folate is essential for early brain and spinal cord development. We also know that women have different folate needs based on their health, metabolism, and when they begin supplementing.
This research reinforces something I already discuss with women who are planning pregnancy. Getting the right amount of folate at the right time really matters. Working with a prenatal dietitian can help ensure that folate intake from food and supplements is safe, appropriate, and personalised to individual needs.
