𝔖 Bobbio Scriptorium
✦   LIBER   ✦

Tracking the prevention of folic acid–preventable spina bifida and anencephaly

✍ Scribed by Karen N. Bell; Godfrey P. Oakley Jr.

Publisher
John Wiley and Sons
Year
2006
Tongue
English
Weight
164 KB
Volume
76
Category
Article
ISSN
1542-0752

No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The fortification of wheat flour with 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. Unfortunately, surveillance is conducted in few countries where the need is greatest. METHODS: A method for assessing the prevention of these birth defects is presented that combines fortification program information with country case prevalence estimates. RESULTS: This approach suggests that about 70% of all cases could be prevented within a year of implementation of fortification programs, were it not for the inertia of regulatory agencies. CONCLUSIONS: Professional researchers and clinicians can help combat this situation by becoming advocates for child health in their respective countries. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 76:654–657, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

📜 SIMILAR VOLUMES

Update on prevention of folic acid-preve
Update on prevention of folic acid-preventable spina bifida and anencephaly
✍ Karen N. Bell; Godfrey P. Oakley Jr. 📂 Article 📅 2009 🏛 John Wiley and Sons 🌐 English ⚖ 366 KB 👁 1 views

## Abstract **BACKGROUND:** 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

Anencephaly and spina bifida among Hispa
Anencephaly and spina bifida among Hispanics: Maternal, sociodemographic, and acculturation factors in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
✍ Mark A. Canfield; Tunu A. Ramadhani; Gary M. Shaw; Suzan L. Carmichael; D. Kim W 📂 Article 📅 2009 🏛 John Wiley and Sons 🌐 English ⚖ 113 KB 👁 2 views

## Abstract **BACKGROUND**: We used data from the multisite National Birth Defects Prevention Study for expected delivery dates from October 1997 through 2003, to determine whether the increased risk in anencephaly and spina bifida (neural tube defects (NTDs)) in Hispanics was explained by selected

Recommendations for accelerating global
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
✍ Godfrey P. Oakley Jr.; Karen N. Bell; Mary Beth Weber 📂 Article 📅 2004 🏛 John Wiley and Sons 🌐 English ⚖ 69 KB 👁 1 views

## Abstract ## 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

Effects of folic acid fortification on s
Effects of folic acid fortification on spina bifida prevalence in Brazil
✍ Iêda Maria Orioli; Ricardo Lima do Nascimento; Jorge Santiago López-Camelo; Edua 📂 Article 📅 2011 🏛 John Wiley and Sons 🌐 English ⚖ 90 KB 👁 1 views

## Abstract **BACKGROUND:** To assess spina bifida birth prevalence changes after folic acid fortification of wheat and maize flours began in Brazil in June 2004. **METHODS:** Cross‐sectional study of Brazilian live births in 2004 and 2006. Spina bifida birth prevalence from the Live Births Informa

Dick Smithells, folic acid, and the prev
Dick Smithells, folic acid, and the prevention of neural tube defects
✍ Christopher Schorah 📂 Article 📅 2009 🏛 John Wiley and Sons 🌐 English ⚖ 86 KB 👁 2 views

There are many different naturally-occurring forms of folic acid, often referred to collectively as folate. Folic acid (pteroylmonoglutamate) does not occur in food, but is the form of folate in the supplements used in the studies referred to here. Because all forms of folate are metabolically linke