[Fortification of food with folic acid diminishes the number of neural tube defects].
A recent study from a research group from Quebec showed a strong decrease in the number of births affected by a neural tube defect since folic acid fortification was introduced in Canada. The prevalence decreased from 1.58 neural tube defects per 1000 births before the introduction of folic acid fortification to 0.86 per 1000 births in the period of complete fortification. Although folic acid fortification of staple food is probably the most effective way to decrease the incidence of neural tube defects, more knowledge about possible health risks should be obtained before fortification is introduced. More research is needed to determine which population groups are at risk of possible negative effects of folic acid fortification and at which level of fortification. Until then, it is important to generate more attention and publicity in order to increase awareness and knowledge concerning folic acid and to promote its use before and after conception.
Brouwer
I A
IA
Vrije Universiteit, Instituut voor Gezondheidswetenschappen, afd. Voeding en Gezondheid, De Boelelaan 0085, 1081 HV Amsterdam. ingeborg.brouwer@falw.vu.nl
D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors
D005492:Folic Acid