title: [Folic acid in the prevention of neural tube defects].
abstract: Neural tube defects (spina bifida) imply a severe limitation of quality of life. 70 to 100% of these defects are preventable by additional intake of folic acid during the periconceptional period. In accordance with the recommendations of Anglo-Saxon and other authorities prevention of this grave malformation should be attempted not only after a first-affected child, but primarily in a general manner in Switzerland, too. All women of childbearing age not under contraceptives should be advised to consume a diet rich in folic acid and to take an additional daily dose of 0.4 mg folic acid as a monosubstance or with a multivitamin preparation. A supplement of folic acid to cereal grain products, mainly bread flours, is recommended. A generally elevated folic acid intake may have further beneficial effects, such as risk reduction for the occurrence of carcinoma and atherosclerosis.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Tönz
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lüthy
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Raunhardt
mesh_terms: D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006397:Hematinics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007881:Legislation, Food; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D016742:Preconception Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D012008:Recurrence
chemical_list: D006397:Hematinics; D005492:Folic Acid
vernacular_title: Folsäure zur Verhütung von Neuralrohrdefekten.