SUPLEMENTACIÓN DE ÁCIDO FÓLICO DURANTE EL EMBARAZO Y SU ASOCIACIÓN CON EL TRASTORNO DEL ESPECTRO AUTISTA: UNA REVISIÓN SISTEMÁTICA

Resumen

Introduction: Folic acid supplementation has been widely recommended during pregnancy due to its benefits for fetal development and its ability to prevent neural tube defects. Recently, research has explored its association with the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), identifying potential epigenetic mechanisms that may impact neurodevelopment. However, there is variability in results in different populations and the influence of genetic and environmental factors is still a subject of debate. Objective: to evaluate the association between folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and the risk of ASD, focusing on protective effects, biological mechanisms, and population variations. Method: systematic review of the literature in the PubMed database, considering studies published between 2019 and 2024. After screening, 30 articles were included in the qualitative and quantitative analysis. Results: Folic acid supplementation showed an average reduction of 20–30% in the risk of ASD, especially when administered in the preconception period and in the first trimester. In Asian populations, the reduction reached up to 40%. Protective mechanisms include DNA methylation and modulation of genetic variants in the MTHFR gene. However, challenges such as low representation of minority populations and lack of methodological standardization were highlighted. Conclusion: Folic acid supplementation is a promising preventive intervention to reduce the risk of ASD, but specific guidelines and studies in underrepresented populations are needed to optimize the benefits.