Impact of Folic Acid Fortification of the US Food Supply on the Occurrence of Neural Tube Defects
Article Abstract:
The number of babies born with a neural tube defect decreased 19% after the FDA required all manufacturers of grain products to enrich their products with folic acid. Spina bifida and anencephaly are examples of neural tube defects.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2001
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Food Fortification to Prevent Neural Tube Defects: Is It Working?
Article Abstract:
A study published in 2001 shows that a federal regulation requiring food manufacturers to fortify all grain products with folic acid reduced the rate of neural tube defects in newborn babies by 19%. Other studies estimate the reduction should be about 50% but many birth certificates do not record birth defects.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2001
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Prevention of neural-tube defects with folic acid in China
Article Abstract:
Women who take folic acid up until the time of their pregnancy and through the first trimester can reduce their baby's risk of having a neural tube defect. Neural tube defects occur when the spinal column does not close completely around the spinal cord. Spina bifida is an example of a neural tube defect. The northern region of China has a higher rate of neural tube defects than the southern region. A study of approximately 250,000 Chinese women, half of whom began taking folic acid, found that these women had a lower rate of neural tube defects regardless of which region they lived in.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1999
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