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Evidence-Based Supplement Research
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New evidence

Folic acid during pregnancy linked to 34% lower odds of autism in offspring — but the underlying evidence is weak.

This umbrella review adds to early hints that folic acid might protect against autism, but because it's among the first indexed studies on this pairing and the evidence is low quality, the finding should be treated as preliminary, not definitive.

A large analysis of prior studies found that mothers who took folic acid supplements had 34% lower odds of having a child with autism spectrum disorder (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.55–0.79). However, the review also found no significant effects on motor skills, language, or cognitive development, and the overall quality of the evidence was rated low. This means that while the result is promising, it doesn't yet confirm a protective effect.

Where this fits in the evidence

This is among the first studies we've indexed on Vitamin B9 for Reduced Autism Spectrum Disorder Risk — treat it as an early signal until more research accumulates.

The study

The Effect of Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation on Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Offspring: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

  • Systematic Review
  • n = 23
  • 2025-10-31
  • Nutrients
More on Vitamin B9More on Reduced Autism Spectrum Disorder Risk

This is a plain-language summary of a research finding, not medical advice. Pillser surfaces research signals to help you decide what's worth investigating — always consult a qualified professional before changing what you take.

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