Longevity science

A woman’s diet during pregnancy could determine whether or not her child will have autism, a new study suggests. Women who took supplements of folic acid, a vitamin B variant and found in leafy green vegetables, peas, nuts and other foods were less likely to have children born with autism spectrum disorders.

People taking high doses of the B vitamin folic acid are not at an increased risk of cancer, according to an international analysis - easing some concern about the possible side effects of national programs aimed to raise intake of the vitamin.