folate

In pregnancy, women are recommended to take prenatal vitamins to ensure the body gets the right amount of folate, Omega-3 oils, and choline, among other vitamins like iron, vitamin D, and calcium.

Under these conditions, the researchers found the folate biosynthetic enzyme FolE2 to be conditionally essential, an enzyme that's not widely found in bacteria and that, ironically, makes it easy to exploit.

The study also found that folate use during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy was associated with better cognitive and behavioral outcomes, even at higher doses.

Expectant mothers and women trying to conceive should continue to take supplementary folic acid - the synthetic version of the vitamin folate - as currently advised by medical practioners.

Famine and food shortages in Gaza mean pregnant women are not getting enough folate, iron, vitamin B12 and iodine.