Investigating the Association Between Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation and the Occurence of Ankyloglossia in Newborns

Background In both popular and scientific literature, an association between tongue tie (ankyloglossia) and folic acid intake during pregnancy is often suggested, although this has not been systematically investigated. Some literature considers this association to be anecdotal. This study aimed to clarify the role of folic acid during pregnancy in the development of tongue tie babies. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September 2021. Participants were pregnant women who delivered at Moh. Hoesin hospital and Hermina hospital in Palembang. Subjects were recruited using consecutive sampling. Tongue tie in babies was determined using the Hazelbaker’s Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum Function (HATLFF). Folic acid levels maternal serum were measured using ELISA DRG® testing. Results Among 144 mothers included in the study, 26.6% of their babies were diagnosed with tongue tie. There was a statistically significant associaton between maternal serum folic acid levels and the occurrence of tongue tie (p = 0.033, OR = 2.130 95% CI = 1.002–4.525). The risk factors for elevated maternal folic acid serum included the consumption of pasta, melon, and lettuce during pregnancy (p = 0.015, OR = 4.05; p = 0.014, OR = 3.91; p = 0.015, OR = 0.31), respectively. Conclusion The prevalence of tongue tie was high and showed a significant association with elevated level of maternal serum folic acid.