PREGNANCY: Widespread education about the benefits of taking folic acid during pregnancy has not increased actual consumption among women, a new Irish study has shown.
Without sufficient levels of folic acid in the blood both before and during the early stages of pregnancy, unborn children are at risk from neural tube birth defects such as Spina Bifida. The research found that even women who have relatives who gave birth to affected children had not taken necessary precautions.
The study, conducted by the Boyne Research Institute (BRI), in Drogheda, Co Meath, found problems often arise before the mother realises she is pregnant, and almost invariably before her first pre-natal visit.
All women who have any chance of becoming pregnant should take a daily dose of folic acid, and especially those with families where a child has been born with a neural tube defect (NTD).
The Department of Health recommends women who are able to conceive should take 0.4mg of folic acid daily. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has recommended fortification of flour with folic acid at 200 micrograms per 100g in food products as consumed.