Folate is important for the success of neural cell proliferation and differentiation during fetal development. Folate supplementation has been shown to reduce neural tube defects. It is recommended that those planning to be pregnant to take 0.4-0.8 mg of folate through the first trimester. However, there is conflicting research on the continued supplementation/high levels of folate during the later trimesters for the potential increased risk of autism spectrum disorders for the child. 

Folic Acid and Neurodevelopment

Collection of references for folic acid deficiency.

References for Folic Acid Deficiency

Folic acid deficiency can be caused by a wide range of factors: 

1. Increased physiological requirements like pregnancy have increased demand for folate which may lead to a deficiency 
2. Dietary insufficiency of folate-rich foods 
3. Malabsorption of folate due to gastrointestinal conditions, alcoholism, and inhibition from drugs like methotrexate and phenytoin 
4. Mutations of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene, or MTHFR, may contribute to deficiency

Folic Acid Deficiency Etiology

Low levels of folate have been associated with an increased risk depression. Folate plays a role in neurotransmitter synthesis through tetrahjydrobiopterin (BH4) which may implicate lower levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine that are all involved in symptoms of depression. 

Folic acid and depression

According to researchers, folic acid (vitamin B9) deficiency has detrimental effects on neurodevelopment in utero and in infancy; and deficits are associated with a greater risk of depression during adulthood.

Saint Louis University

Highest impairments in cognition are caused by deficiencies in:
- Vitamin B12
- Thiamine
- Folic Acid 
- Niacin

Vitamin Deficiencies & Mental Health

Adan, R. A., van der Beek, E. M., Buitelaar, J. K., Cryan, J. F., Hebebrand, J., Higgs, S., ... & Dickson, S. L. (2019). Nutritional psychiatry: Towards improving mental health by what you eat. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 29(12), 1321-1332.

Nutrition Psychiatry: Towards Improving Mental Health by What You Eat

Stated by researchers to cause: 
- Fatigue
- Lethargy 
- Depression
- Poor memory 
- & is associated with mania and psychosis

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1), is stated by researchers to cause beriberi with numbness as CNS symptom (which disrupts motor functioning) as well as Wernicke’s encephalopathy.

Thiamine Deficiency

Folic Acid Deficiency

Deficiency in niacin (vitamin B3), is said to cause Pellagra with dementia as a result.

Learn Before

Related

Learn After