Abstract
WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC? Inconsistent results have been reported on the association between periconceptional folic acid only (FAO) or multiple micronutrients containing folic acid (MMFA) supplementation and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in previous research. WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT? In a prospective cohort study conducted among pregnant women in Haidian District, Beijing Municipality, it was observed that those who took MMFA demonstrated a higher likelihood of developing GDM in comparison to those who consumed FAO periconceptionally. Interestingly, the increased risk for GDM in pregnant women supplemented with MMFA compared to FAO was primarily due to changes in fasting plasma glucose. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE? It is highly recommended that women prioritize the use of FAO in order to yield potential benefits in the prevention of GDM.