Follow-up Study of Late Effects of Periconceptional Folic Acid in Mothers and Offspring in the Community Intervention Program Population: The Chinese Children and Families Study

Study Summary

Periconceptional folic acid supplements of 400 (Micro) daily prevent neural tube defects (NTD) in offspring. Some data suggest that periconceptional folic acid supplements, folate levels during pregnancy, and/or certain variants in the gene that encodes methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), a key enzyme that catalyzes synthesis of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate \[the primary methyl donor in most metabolic pathways involving methylation including DNA methylation\] from 5,10 methylenetetrahydrofolate may be associated with reduced risks of certain adverse events during the prenatal period, birth weight and certain serious diseases in offspring, while other studies have raised concerns about increased risks of specific serious disorders. Only one study has examined late health effects in mothers that might be associated with use of periconceptional folic acid supplements. We propose to study potential health benefits and adverse effects of periconceptional folic acid supplements in a 15-year follow-up of offspring and mothers. In the offspring, we will evaluate whether periconceptional folic acid supplements reduced risk of external congenital birth defects and childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and whether risks are reduced or increased for other pediatric disorders linked with periconceptional folic acid supplements including asthma, pervasive developmental disorders and autism, diabetes, obesity and blood pressure. In the mothers, we will assess cardiovascular diseases and associated risk factors, breast and colorectal cancers and precursor conditions, and other cancers. We will also conduct exploratory assessment of other serious diseases in mothers. To increase the limited data on the morbidity and survival of children born with a major birth defect, particularly in low- or middle-income countries, we plan to assess morbidity and mortality outcomes in children identified with neural tube defects as part of our follow-up. The women and children who partici

Primary Outcome

observational study inquiring about various measures of health including cancer, hypertension, and diabetes.

Conditions Studied

Study Locations (1)