title: Folic acid supplementation--when and how.
abstract: The periconceptional intake of 400 micrograms of folic acid can prevent 50-70% of neural tube defects. It is difficult to achieve this intake with diet alone, even with the recently approved levels for grain-food fortification. Therefore, a daily multivitamin with folic acid is recommended for all women of childbearing potential. Obstetrician-gynecologists should exercise every opportunity to educate their patients to this end. Although raised as a concern, the potential of masking the megaloblastic anemia of pernicious anemia is unlikely with these levels of supplementation, and considering the rarity of the disease in women of reproductive age.
authors.affiliation: March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, White Plains, New York, USA.
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Schwarz
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Johnston
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D011295:Prenatal Care
chemical_list: D005492:Folic Acid