Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT2933

This study investigates the relationship between folic acid levels and various physiological and developmental indicators in children with developmental delays. Folic acid plays a crucial role in human growth and development, particularly in neurological development and metabolism. A total of 110 children with developmental delays were selected for the study, and a range of physiological indicators were collected, including gestational age, birth weight, height, weight, BMI, thyroid function, folic acid, vitamin D, lactate, homocysteine, and free fatty acids. Developmental assessment was conducted using the Gesell Developmental Schedule to evaluate social adaptability, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, language ability, and personal-social competence. The findings reveal that children with folic acid levels above 24 ng/ml scored significantly higher in vitamin D, lactate levels, and the five domains of the Gesell Developmental Schedule (social adaptability, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, language, and personal-social competence) compared to those with folic acid levels below 24 ng/ml. Additionally, children with higher folic acid levels had significantly lower birth weight and homocysteine levels than those with lower folic acid levels, with statistically significant differences. However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of BMI, gender, age, and thyroid hormone levels. The results suggest that higher folic acid levels may be positively associated with neurological development and metabolic health in children with developmental delays, highlighting the potential importance of folic acid in child growth and development. Future research should explore the long-term effects of folic acid supplementation in children with developmental delays and the underlying mechanisms at play.

Keywords: Developmental delay, Gesell Developmental Schedules, Folic acid.

Disclosure of interest: The authors have not any conflict of interest or competing interest to declare.