Prenatal Supplements and Mental Health
Studies show the following:
Folic acid has benefits for the development of the foetal brain and subsequent child behaviour and cognition.
Omega-3 fatty acids increase the risk for later schizophrenia and modestly increase childhood symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, but they also substantively decrease the risk for both premature birth and childhood wheezing.
Phosphatidylcholine supplements have been studied prospectively and have generally been found to promote the development of the foetal brain and to subsequently affect childhood behaviour, but no retrospective epidemiologic studies have been conducted.
Higher serum levels of vitamins A and D appear to promote brain development and to decrease risk for schizophrenia, but their potential toxicity limits their use to currently recommended amounts.
