title: Periconceptional folic acid supplementation as a social intervention.
abstract: Periconceptional folic acid supplementation has been shown to decrease the first occurrence of isolated neural tube defects (NTDs) by as much as 50%, and to decrease the recurrence risk for NTDs by more than 70%. The possible mechanisms of vitamin supplementation in the prevention of NTDs are discussed, as are the current recommendations for reproductive-age women. Further, the limitations of dietary and pharmacological recommendations with regard to patient compliance as well as the possibility of grain fortification are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: N C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Rose
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Mennuti
mesh_terms: D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000196:embryology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D005492:Folic Acid