Excess folic acid disrupts placental endocrine function in vitro: a potential mechanism linking elevated folic acid exposure with gestational diabetes mellitus (opens in new tab)

BackgroundHigh folic acid (FA; synthetic folate) intake is associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. As the placenta is a key regulator of maternal glucose homeostasis, it represents a plausible target for FA-mediated effects.ObjectiveTo determine how increased FA exposure modulates trophoblast function, placental folate receptor/transporter expression, and secretion of hormones that maintain maternal euglycaemia, prov...