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.
TY - JOUR
T1 - Tracking the prevention of folic acid-preventable spina bifida and anencephaly.
AU - Bell,Karen N,
AU - Oakley,Godfrey P,Jr
PY - 2006/9/27/pubmed
PY - 2006/12/14/medline
PY - 2006/9/27/entrez
SP - 654
EP - 7
JF - Birth defects research. Part A, Clinical and molecular teratology
JO - Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol
VL - 76
IS - 9
N2 - 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.
SN - 1542-0752
UR - https://www.unboundmedicine.com/medline/citation/17001686/Tracking_the_prevention_of_folic_acid_preventable_spina_bifida_and_anencephaly_
L2 - https://doi.org/10.1002/bdra.20304
DB - PRIME
DP - Unbound Medicine
ER -