Studies call for prenatal folic acid awareness

14 Jan 2008

Women are advised to consume folic acid both before and during pregnancy to help prevent birth defects, according to a new campaign in the US.

Recent studies suggest that not enough women are consuming the B vitamin folic acid, which is essential to reducing the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida developing in the early weeks of pregnancy.

Gynecologist Judith Reichman explained: "Unfortunately, most women don't realise they should have sufficient levels of folic acid in their bodies long before they consider having a baby."

"It is critical that they [women of childbearing age] pay attention to their diet, take a daily multivitamin containing folic acid and consume folic acid-rich foods every day," she advised.

Experts recommend a daily intake of 400 micrograms of folic acid before conception and during the first few months of pregnancy.

Bread, crackers, bagels and pasta are all rich sources of the essential B vitamin.

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