Birth defects research. Part A, Clinical and molecular teratology
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Birth Defects Res. Part A Clin. Mol. Teratol. · Jan 2009
Update on prevention of folic acid-preventable spina bifida and anencephaly.
The number of countries fortifying wheat and maize flour with folic acid has increased in the past 2 years. Folic acid prevents most cases of spina bifida and anencephaly by raising serum folate levels among women capable of bearing children, as does encouraging women to consume folic acid supplements prior to pregnancy. ⋯ The pace of preventing these serious birth defects can be accelerated if more countries require fortification of both wheat and maize flour and if regulators set fortification levels high enough to increase a woman's daily average consumption of folic acid to 400 mcg.