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Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes
Published on: June 28, 2024
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Folic Acid and Selected Risk Factors for Fetal Heart Defects-Preliminary Study Results
Agnieszka Kolmaga1, Elżbieta Trafalska1, Ewelina Gaszyńska1
1Department of Nutrition and Epidemiology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-752 Lodz, Poland.
Nutrients
|September 14, 2024
Summary
Folic acid supplementation before and during early pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of congenital heart defects (CHD). Lack of supplementation or delayed intake increases the risk, highlighting the importance of periconceptional folic acid for fetal heart health.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Genetics
Background:
- Inconsistent data exists on the link between diet/folic acid and congenital heart disease (CHD).
- This study investigates folic acid intake/supplementation and other maternal factors in relation to fetal heart defect risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between maternal folic acid supplementation timing and the risk of congenital heart defects (CHD) in fetuses.
- To identify other maternal factors influencing CHD risk.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 79 pregnant women with fetuses diagnosed with heart defects and 121 controls.
- Data collected via lifestyle questionnaires, food frequency questionnaires (FFQ), and dietary supplement use.
- Univariate logistic regression analyzed associations between folic acid, risk factors, and CHD.
Main Results:
- Lack of folic acid supplementation increased CHD risk over fourfold (OR=4.19).
- Supplementation after the eighth week of gestation nearly tripled the risk (OR=2.90).
- Family history of congenital defects was also a significant risk factor.
Conclusions:
- Periconceptional folic acid supplementation is crucial for preventing congenital heart defects.
- Lack of supplementation before pregnancy and delayed intake increase fetal heart defect risk.
- Public education and preventive strategies are urgently needed.
