Chances of your child developing autism can be trebled by taking too many vitamins during pregnancy

A new study has shown that expectant mums taking excessive amounts of Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 during pregnancy lead to an increased chance that their child will have developmental problems.

Scientists in the US think that multi vitamins could be to blame, after they found that women taking 4 times the recommended doses of folic acid doubled the chances of their children developing autism. If the same women were also taking too much Vitamin B12 the risk trebled.

The study included 1,400 women and was taken out between 1998 and 2013 by scientists in Maryland, USA. Whilst expectant mothers might find the results worrying, Doctors are keen to assure them that taking the recommended doses of both folic acid and Vitamin B12 is still very important and does reduce the risk of spina bifida and brain abnormalities.

You should consult your doctor if you think you are putting your unborn child at risk by taking more than the recommended daily amounts of folic acid and Vitamin B12 and should stick to the stated doses on the packets at all times.

You can get both folic acid and vitamin b12, along with full instructions on recommended doses at Boots.