Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – New research from Flinders University has raised concerns that excessive folic acid intake during pregnancy may increase the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), urging a review of current supplementation guidelines.
The study, published in Nutrients, links higher-than-recommended folate levels — fuelled by fortified foods and supplements — to a surge in GDM cases.
In Australia, GDM has tripled, rising from 5.6% in 2010 to 19.3% in 2022.
“Our findings show that excess maternal folate significantly increases GDM risk,” said lead researcher Dr Tanja Jankovic-Karasoulos. “We suspect increased folic acid intake over the last decade has contributed to this trend.”
While folate remains vital in preventing neural tube defects such as spina bifida, researchers caution that prolonged high doses may affect placental function and insulin resistance.
Professor Claire Roberts of Flinders University added: “We must investigate unexpected implications of high folic acid use, while improving early detection of gestational diabetes to protect babies from adverse outcomes.”
The findings highlight the need to balance supplementation guidelines — protecting mothers and babies from excessive intake while still preventing birth defects.
About the Author
Mirian Gom 
Hussaini Ibrahim 
