Does Folic Acid Prevent Childhood Obesity?

Health care professionals have known for decades that women of childbearing age should take folic acid, because it reduces a baby's risk of being born with the neural tube defect, spina bifida. New research shows there may be another good reason for mothers-to-be to take the mineral â" it may prevent obesity in children. In this Mayo Clinic Minute, reporter Vivien Williams discusses folic acid with Dr. Alva Roche Green, a Mayo Clinic family physician.