The effects of prenatal nutrition on child health outcomes
Official title: Prenatal Environment And Child Health (PEACH) in ECHO
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11319122 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how taking folic acid during pregnancy might affect children's brain development and their chances of conditions like ADHD and autism, especially for families who might be at higher risk, to help improve health advice for moms-to-be.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,973,808 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3OD035550-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11319122 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals, particularly those in their first trimester, and those from populations at higher risk for neural tube defects and neurodevelopmental issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those whose pregnancies are beyond the first trimester may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how prenatal factors, particularly the intake of supplemental folic acid, influence neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. It focuses on understanding the relationship between folic acid consumption during early pregnancy and the risk of conditions like ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. The study aims to identify the biological mechanisms behind these effects and assess how different populations, especially those at higher risk, are impacted. By analyzing data from diverse groups, the research seeks to improve health recommendations and interventions for expectant mothers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prenatal care guidelines that enhance child health and reduce the incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that folic acid supplementation can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration in neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmidt, Rebecca Jean — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Schmidt, Rebecca Jean
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.