A case-control study of maternal nutrition and neural tube defects in Northern Ireland

to compare dietary intake and biochemical indices of nutritional status in women following birth of a baby/termination of a pregnancy affected by neural tube defect (NTD) and women with a normal baby.

quantitative, using case control methods.

dietary records were completed by women in their own home, blood samples were taken in the local health centres.

15 women referred to the study following an affected pregnancy (subjects), matched with 15 women whose pregnancy outcome was normal (controls).

7-day weighed dietary records indicated no statistically significant differences in nutrient intake but a tendency for lower fruit and vegetable consumption in subjects than in controls. Biochemical analysis of nutritional status showed that levels of serum vitamin B12 were significantly lower in subjects, and activities of two of the nucleotide salvage pathway enzymes were significantly higher.

the findings are consistent with the findings of other research on NTD and the metabolism of folate and vitamin B12.

this study, and other research in this area, has implications for health professionals, including midwives with their particular involvement in prenatal care, and also highlights the need for a clearer focus on nutrition in nursing and midwifery education.