During pregnancy, the fetus gains nutrients from its mother’s body. So, mothers are advised to take healthy food so the fetus can grow adequately. Now findings from a new study emphasize the necessity of an adequate diet for the mother during pregnancy. According to the study, children whose mothers didn’t take adequate amount of iron supplements during pregnancy are more likely to be autistic.

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of California-Davis MIND Institute in Sacramento, CA. 520 pairs of mother and children with autism were involved in the study alongside 346 pairs of mothers and children with normal development. The researchers looked at children and their mothers after birth and also noted whether or not the mothers took any iron supplements during the first trimester until they began to breastfeed. Researchers also factored in other risk factors for autism like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure etc, Diabet Insider reported.

The research team came to the conclusion that pregnant women, who took iron pills, were less likely to have a child with autism. In pregnant women aged 35 or above; the risk of having an autistic child increases fivefold, if they don’t take any iron supplement during pregnancy.

According to chief researcher Rebecca Schmidt, “Iron is crucial to early brain development, contributing to neurotransmitter production, myelination and immune function. All three of these pathways have been associated with autism,”

The researchers also said that folic acid intake during pregnancy reduces risk of autism in the child and has a positive effect on the baby’s development.