A recent study has uncovered a shocking link between intake of folic acid and an increased risk of asthma. Mothers who consumed folic acid supplements when pregnant were more at risk of having children with asthma, as per the study.

Folic acid supplements are highly recommended for women who are, or intend to be, pregnant as it is said to be much helpful in preventing neural tube defects during the first few weeks of pregnancy when the fetus is said to be in a very critical condition. But the study of over 550 women has proved that those who overuse folic acid supplements end up exposing their babies to an increased risk of asthma.

The study is now being viewed as a medical breakthrough and one of the first cues which could explain the rising rate of asthma cases across the country.

"We see a substantial proportion of women taking these folic supplements throughout pregnancy and it may be because people think it is entirely benign. Folic is incredibly important because of its role in preventing neural tube defects (like spina bifida) but because it is so important, and so bioactive, it needs to be treated with some respect as well", shared Associate Professor Michael Davies, from the University of Adelaide's Robinson Institute.

Further researches and studies are now being conducted to confirm the findings, which are being considered as much valuable.