Lead exposure during pregnancy can harm a child’s developing brain, increasing the risk of autism-related behaviors. Some evidence suggests that folate, a B vitamin, might help protect against lead's neurotoxic effects. A recent study found that higher folate levels during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of autism-like behaviors in children exposed to lead before birth. Researchers analyzed data from a large mother-infant cohort study that tracked participants from pregnancy through early childhood. They measured blood lead levels and plasma folate concentrations during the women's first an... brain pregnancy micronutrients genetics development folate
Read moreAs many as 48 million women worldwide experience infertility. Although many factors influence fertility, an abundance of evidence suggests that nutrition is a key player. Findings from a recent study suggest that women who take omega-3 fatty acids are 1.5 times more likely to conceive than those who do not. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that play critical roles in human health throughout the lifespan. Higher intake of omega-3s is associated with a reduced risk of many diseases, and some evidence indicates that these fatty acids play important roles in both male and female ferti... omega-3 pregnancy development
Read moreThe prevalence of people who follow plant-based vegetarian and vegan diets is on the rise, for reasons including environmental sustainability, improved health, and concerns for animal welfare. The latest update to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/) includes vegetarian and vegan options that meet all nutrient requirements; however, much of the research contributing to these recommendations was conducted in adults. A recent report describes the effect of plant-based diets on growth and cardiovascular disease risk factors in children. Although cardiovascula... development vitamin d nutrition vitamin b12 bone iron vegetarian
Read moreFTA: > Antioxidants provide long-term protection against the chain reactions of free radical processes, in other words, of the molecules that are capable of causing cell damage and generating various diseases. Free radicals harm our body by causing, in the best of cases, ageing and, in the worse, serious diseases. Lettuce is rich in antioxidants, as it contains compounds like phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and vitamins A and C, among other things. ... nutrition diet vitamin a antioxidant
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