London, Mar 22 : Taking a special vitamin supplement during pregnancy can keep hydrocephalus, one of the most common birth brain defects, at bay, claim researchers.

According to scientists, who conducted tests on rats to reach the conclusion, results have shown a combination of folates dramatically reduces the rates of hydrocephalus - in which fluids build up in the brain''s chambers.

However, it's too early to say anything further, say researchers in the Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology.

Most obvious symptom of the disorder is an unusually large head size. Other symptoms can include: vomiting, sleepiness, irritability, downward deviation of the eyes and seizures.

Many children also display symptoms that can be mistaken for naughtiness, such as verbal aggression and swearing, hyperactivity, not paying attention and generally unusual behaviour.

Although the supplement itself is not currently available, so researchers are seeking the support of a pharmaceutical company willing to produce it as a pill.

"Cerebrospinal fluid is not a liquid which simply cushions the brain and carries chemicals around it. It is actively produced and transported and plays an essential biological role in developing the brain," The BBC quoted lead researcher Jaleel Miyan, as saying. (ANI)