High Folic Acid and Low B12 Levels Found to Affect Fetal Brain Development in Mice

by

Excessive amounts of folic acid and low levels of vitamin B12 have been found to alter brain development in mice, according to a study conducted by researchers from the UC Davis School of Medicine and the UC Davis MIND Institute. The study, published in Communications Biology, highlights the potential detrimental impacts of imbalances in folic acid and vitamin B12 on fetal brain development.

Folic acid, a synthetic form of folate, is a B vitamin that is essential for the prevention of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. To ensure that pregnant women receive adequate amounts of folic acid, it has been added to vitamins, breakfast cereals, and other products in the US and more than 80 other countries. However, this research suggests that it is possible to consume too much folic acid, raising concerns about its potential negative effects on brain development.

Ralph Green, a distinguished professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and co-senior author of the study, acknowledges the positive impact of folic acid fortification in reducing the incidence of neural tube defects. However, he emphasizes the need to understand the potential negative consequences of excessive folic acid consumption.

The study was prompted by the increase in the prevalence of neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and epilepsy, since the implementation of folic acid fortification. The researchers aimed to explore whether there is a possible link between these increases and excessive folic acid intake.

The researchers conducted experiments on mice to investigate the effects of high folic acid intake, B12 deficiency, and the consumption of folinic acid, a natural form of folate that may have different effects than folic acid. The study focused on the development of the cerebral cortex, the primary brain structure associated with cognitive and emotional functions, using various imaging techniques.

The results of the study showed that high levels of folic acid or B12 deficiency led to alterations in neural development. Cortical neurons, which typically develop during a later stage of brain development, took a longer time to emerge and settle into their proper positions in the developing brain. Furthermore, both high folic acid and B12 deficiency resulted in fewer interconnections among neurons.

Interestingly, the study found that there were virtually no consequences to the developing mouse brains when folinic acid was consumed at the same high levels as folic acid. This suggests that the natural form of folate may have a different impact on brain development.

While these findings provide intriguing insights into the potential effects of folic acid and B12 on brain development, the researchers emphasize the need for caution when interpreting the results. Animal models differ from humans in various ways, including metabolic rates and the processing of folic acid.

The researchers plan to continue their investigation by studying the effects of folic acid and B12 in human brain organoids. These 3D cell clusters, which incorporate multiple neural cell types, may provide a better understanding of how these nutrients affect human biology.

Konstantinos Zarbalis, professor of pathology and laboratory medicine and a co-senior author of the study, acknowledges the complexity of how the body responds to folic acid, vitamin B12, and folinic acid. The researchers aim to determine the optimal amount and form of folate to prevent neural tube defects and potential brain health issues.

In conclusion, excessive folic acid intake and low B12 levels were found to affect fetal brain development in mice. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the complex interactions between folic acid, vitamin B12, and folinic acid, as well as their potential effects on human brain development.

*Note:
1.      Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.      We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it 
Ravina
+ posts

Ravina Pandya,  Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has an expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals.