A study has found that consuming low levels of folate during the early stages of pregnancy can result in hyperactive behavior among children. Low levels of folate hamper the development of brain in fetus during the early stage of pregnancy.

This study has been featured in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and this is a unique study that tries to establish a link between folate levels in the diet and behavioral outcomes in the children.

Around 100 women were monitored from early pregnancy up to a period of 8 years. These women were questioned and also had blood samples taken to measure the level of folate in their diets.

The research pointed out that birth defects especially in spinal cord and brain can be warded off by consuming folate during the earlier stages of a pregnancy. Most of these complications can arise during the initial 3 to 4 weeks of pregnancy and can be easily prevented. The study also reveals that most of the women were not even aware that they were pregnant.

Researchers feel that a more detailed study is required to know in depth about the various problems highlighted due to this study.

The foods which are generally high in folate include spinach, asparagus, romaine lettuce and garbanzo, black and pinto beans.