Women who take folate during pregnancy appear to reduce the chances that their children will later develop acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). A study published in the December 8, 2001 issue of The Lancet found that children whose mothers did not take supplemental folate during pregnancy were more than 2.5 times more likely to eventually develop ALL.
Cancer prevention can now be added to the prevention of neural tube defects as good reasons to take folate during pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins are more than just a nice idea. They solidly contribute to the health of children.