Vitamin and Mineral Supplements in Pregnancy and Childhood Leukaemia Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Dockerty John D, Herbison Peter, Skegg David CG, Elwood Mark
Primary Institution: University of Otago
Hypothesis
Does maternal folate supplementation during pregnancy reduce the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia?
Conclusion
The study found no evidence that folate supplementation during pregnancy protects against childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Supporting Evidence
- The study included 97 cases of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and 303 controls.
- No significant association was found between folate intake and childhood leukaemia risk.
- The meta-analysis of three studies showed an odds ratio of 0.9, indicating no association.
Takeaway
The study looked at whether taking vitamins during pregnancy helps prevent a type of childhood cancer, but it found no proof that it does.
Methodology
A national case-control study in New Zealand with interviews of mothers about supplement use during pregnancy.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and low prevalence of folate supplementation.
Participant Demographics
Mothers of 97 children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and 303 controls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.56
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.5–2.7
Statistical Significance
p = 0.56
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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