Maternal folate status and obesity/insulin resistance in the offspring: a systematic review

Prenatal folic acid supplementation or maternal folate sufficiency may protect the offspring from obesity and insulin resistance. This study aims to summarize the findings of association between prenatal folic acid supplementation/maternal folate sufficiency and obesity/insulin resistance in the offspring.

Twelve databases were searched for both published and unpublished work of prenatal folic acid supplementation/maternal folate status up to 1 July 2014. Experimental and observational studies on animals and human beings were included based on the eligibility criteria. There were no limits to the time period and language of publication. The study quality was assessed with a 10-Point Scale for Scientific Methodology.

The search identified 2548 records. Nine animal studies and five human studies satisfied search criteria were included. Five of these nine animal studies showed a protective effect of folic acid. Of the five human studies, one showed a protective effect of folic acid, two showed a harmful effect and two showed uncertain results.

Data from both animal studies and human studies are inconsistent. Future researches with sophisticated designs are needed to demonstrate the potential protective effect of maternal folate on obesity/insulin resistance in the offspring in animal models and human pregnancies.