title: [Does folic acid have effects on other health problems than neural tube defects?].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  While it is widely accepted that periconceptional supplement of 400 microg (microgram) folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects in pregnancy, it remains to be established whether folic acid has other beneficial effects on larger population groups. Evidence concerning effect of increased intake on cardiovascular disease, cancer and other diseases has recently been evaluated in a report to the Directorate of Health and Social Welfare in Norway.
  
  
  METHODS
  Research reports published mainly from 1998 to 2003 on folic acid intake and disease have been evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sufficient evidence that increased folic acid intake may prevent cancer or cardiovascular diseases is not yet available, hence at present there is no indication for recommending augmented intake for other groups than fertile women. However, several intervention studies with folic acid supplementation are in progress to establish its effect on cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  If the ongoing intervention studies show a beneficial clinical effect on cardiovascular disease, it would be a further argument for fortification of foods, in addition to reducing the risk of neural tube defects in pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Kvinnesenteret, Kvinne-barn-divisjonen, Ullevål universitetssykehus, 0450 Oslo. annetine.staff@ulleval.no
authors.forename: Anne Cathrine
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Staff
authors.forename: Kirsten
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Holven
authors.forename: Elin Bjørge
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Løken
authors.forename: Kari
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sygnestveit
authors.forename: Stein Emil
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Vollset
authors.forename: Sigbjørn
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Smeland
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D005492:Folic Acid