Effects of folic acid supplements during pregnancy on mental health in youth
Longitudinal neuroprotectiveeffects of periconceptional folic acid supplements in help-seeking youth with psychiatric symptomsand healthy controls
This study looks at how taking folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy might help improve the mental health of kids and teens, especially in reducing the risk of conditions like autism and psychosis, by comparing those with and without psychiatric symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10852967 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how taking folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy can influence the mental health of children and adolescents. It examines the long-term effects of prenatal folic acid exposure on brain development and the risk of psychiatric disorders, including autism and psychosis. By comparing youth with psychiatric symptoms to healthy controls, the study aims to identify protective factors associated with folic acid supplementation. The methodology includes tracking brain development changes and assessing mental health outcomes over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals and their children, particularly those with a family history of mental health disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have children may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health outcomes for children and adolescents by highlighting the importance of prenatal nutrition.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results regarding the protective effects of prenatal folic acid on mental health, suggesting that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roffman, Joshua Lawrence — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Roffman, Joshua Lawrence
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.