title: Folic acid food fortification-its history, effect, concerns, and future directions.
abstract: Periconceptional intake of folic acid is known to reduce a woman's risk of having an infant affected by a neural tube birth defect (NTD). National programs to mandate fortification of food with folic acid have reduced the prevalence of NTDs worldwide. Uncertainty surrounding possible unintended consequences has led to concerns about higher folic acid intake and food fortification programs. This uncertainty emphasizes the need to continually monitor fortification programs for accurate measures of their effect and the ability to address concerns as they arise. This review highlights the history, effect, concerns, and future directions of folic acid food fortification programs.
authors.affiliation: The Division of Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30033, USA. kvc3@cdc.gov
authors.forename: Krista S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Crider
authors.forename: Lynn B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Berry
mesh_terms: D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005527:Food, Fortified / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000266:history / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D005492:Folic Acid