title: Preventing birth defects with folic acid.
abstract: There a few birth defects known to be preventable, but neural tube defects (NTDs) are one group of congenital anomalies that can potentially be prevented. When 400 micrograms of maternal periconceptional folic acid is taken daily, it can prevent many neural tube-related birth defects and thus reduce morbidity and mortality due to these birth defects. Health care providers should encourage every woman of reproductive age to consume 400 micrograms of synthetic folic acid daily, not just those who are planning a pregnancy. Supplementation needs to be started prior to conception for optimal effectiveness.
mesh_terms: D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000592:standards / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration; D016387:Women's Health
chemical_list: D005492:Folic Acid