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Prevention of birth defects: folic acid
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242-1080, USA. roger-williamson@uiowa.edu
Insights
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a significant cause of infant mortality. Folic acid supplementation is recommended for women of childbearing age to prevent NTDs, yet awareness and intake remain challenges.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Genetics
Background:
- Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a major contributor to infant mortality.
- Most NTDs result from multifactorial causes, involving both genetic and environmental factors.
- Folic acid demonstrates a protective effect against NTD occurrence and recurrence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of folic acid in preventing neural tube defects.
- To underscore the public health initiatives for folic acid fortification and supplementation.
- To identify persistent challenges in ensuring adequate folic acid intake among women of childbearing age.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on neural tube defects and folic acid.
- Analysis of public health recommendations and fortification policies in the United States.
- Identification of barriers to adequate folic acid consumption in women of childbearing age.
Main Results:
- Folic acid fortification of grain products is standard in the US.
- A daily intake of 0.4 mg of folic acid is recommended for women who could become pregnant.
- Despite these measures, suboptimal folic acid levels persist in some women.
Conclusions:
- Continued education is crucial to improve folic acid consumption among women of childbearing age.
- Addressing knowledge gaps and accessibility issues is key to maximizing the benefits of folic acid.
- Public health strategies must evolve to overcome challenges in achieving adequate folic acid intake for NTD prevention.
Abstract:
Neural tube defects (NTDs) comprise an important category contributing to infant mortality. While some NTDs may be due to identifiable inherited or specific environmental factors, most are multifactorial, with genetic and environmental factors contributing to their occurrence. Folic acid has been found to have a protective effect against the recurrence and occurrence of NTDs. In addition to natural dietary sources, in the United States, all enriched grain products now are fortified with folic acid. In addition, all women who could become pregnant are recommended to consume 0.4 mg of folic acid daily. Despite these measures, not all women of childbearing age have added sufficient folic acid to their diets or take a vitamin supplement. Challenges remain regarding educating women of childbearing age about the potential health benefits of adequate folic acid consumption.