Children from rural Nepal, whose mothers received iron and supplemental folic acid during pregnancy, were smarter, more organized and had better motor skills than children whose mothers did not receive vitamin and mineral supplements, according to US researchers..

"Iron is essential for the development of the central nervous system," said Dr. Parul Christian (Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health). The study is published online on the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Scientists examined 676 school-age children whose mothers took part in a clinical study in which some patients received iron, supplemental folic acid and other nutrients during pregnancy. Approximately 80% of children - aged 7 - 9 - went to school.

"We had the opportunity to observe the offspring of women who participated in a randomized study of iron and folate and other micronutrients to assess neurocognitive functions and outcomes," said Dr. Christian.

"We showed that prenatal iron and additional folic acid had a significant impact on the intellectual level of offspring and motor abilities at school age," said Dr. Christian.

According to the World Health Organization, any pregnant woman in developing countries has an anemia, as well as about 40% of preschool children.

News. Gradusnik. En.