Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 20, 2025

Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes
03:19

Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes

Published on: June 28, 2024

457

Folic Acid Supplementation to Prevent Neural Tube Defects: US Preventive Services Task Force Reaffirmation

, Michael J Barry1, Wanda K Nicholson2

  • 1Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

JAMA
|August 1, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Folic acid supplementation significantly lowers the risk of neural tube defects in newborns. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends daily folic acid for all women who could become pregnant.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Maternal Health
  • Obstetrics

Background:

  • Neural tube defects (NTDs) are common congenital malformations in the US, affecting approximately 3000 pregnancies annually.
  • Low maternal folate levels are a significant contributing factor to the development of NTDs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a reaffirmation evidence update on the benefits and harms of folic acid supplementation.
  • To inform recommendations for preventing NTDs.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and evidence synthesis commissioned by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
  • Evaluation of data on the efficacy and safety of folic acid supplementation for NTD prevention.

Main Results:

  • High certainty exists that folic acid supplementation provides a substantial net benefit in preventing NTDs.
  • The evidence supports the efficacy of folic acid in reducing NTD incidence.

Conclusions:

  • The USPSTF recommends daily folic acid supplementation for all individuals planning pregnancy or who could become pregnant.
  • A daily intake of 0.4 to 0.8 mg (400 to 800 μg) of folic acid is advised.
Abstract

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