Recommendations for accelerating global action to prevent folic acid-preventable birth defects and other folate-deficiency diseases: meeting of experts on preventing folic acid-preventable neural tube defects.
BACKGROUND
In April of 2003, The Micronutrient Initiative, in collaboration with several other organizations, convened a group of knowledgeable scientists and policy experts to discuss ways to accelerate the global pace at which countries implement effective and sustainable programs to prevent folic acid-preventable birth defects and other folate-deficiency diseases. Programs implemented to date by fewer than 40 countries have prevented only 10% of the estimated 240,000 annual cases of folic acid-preventable spina bifida and anencephaly.


METHODS
Participants in this meeting summarized and presented scientific evidence showing that increased consumption of synthetic folic acid prevents a large proportion of spina bifida and anencephaly cases. They also reviewed related guidance and endorsement issued by national professional societies and advisory bodies as well as policies and programs implemented by some countries that have already demonstrated successful results in terms of reduced rates of neural tube defects and improved folate nutrition.


CONCLUSIONS
The group formulated and discussed recommendations and strategies for increasing the pace of neural tube defect prevention globally. The recommendations and strategies are published here.
Oakley
Godfrey P
GP
Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. gpoakley@mindspring.com
Bell
Karen N
KN
Weber
Mary Beth
MB
D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005494:Folic Acid Deficiency / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014943:Global Health; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy
D005492:Folic Acid