The benefit of folic acid in reducing the risk of neural-tube birth defects has been well known for some time. Previous campaigns to educate women and healthcare providers on the benefits of increasing folic acid consumption, usually through vitamin supplements, has met with limited success. One factor is the fact that the folic acid level must be high enough very early in pregnancy, and women may not be receiving prenatal care or even know if they are pregnant during this time. In order to prevent these birth defects, women of childbearing age who might become pregnant must have adequate folic acid intake.
For this reason, folic acid supplementation of cereal grain products in the United States became mandatory on January 1, 1998. Products supplemented include breads, cereals, flours, corn meals, pastas, rice, and other grain products. In November, 1998, a similar law went into effect in Canada.
Research has already shown a drop in neural tube defects in the United States since supplementation began. In this study published this week, similar effects are shown in Canada’s population, with a 46% reduction in the prevalence of defects.
Despite the presence of fortification, it is important for women who might become pregnant to be sure that they consume adequate folic acid, either through vitamin supplements or through diet alone.
