Since 1976, researchers have observed a relationship between
maternal folic acid intake and the risk of an NTD-affected pregnancy.[7]
Several large scale studies have demonstrated that folic acid plays a role in
reducing the risk of NTDs.[8] ,[9], [10]
In fact, a randomized clinical trial conducted by the British Medical Research
Council (MRC), found that high-dose folic acid supplements may prevent up to 70% of NTDs
in women who have had a prior NTD-affected pregnancy.[11]
A population-based study of Chinese women, who continuously (more than 80% of the
time) took folic acid supplements before and around the time of conception, showed they
were 85% less likely to have an NTD-affected pregnancy than their counterparts.[12] |
It is estimated that if all women of childbearing
age took enough folic acid daily prior to conception, 50-70% of NTDs could be prevented
annually. It is well established
within the scientific community that folic acid may help prevent NTDs.
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