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1. folic

2. Folic acid is the synthetic form of a water soluble
B vitamin that is needed to:
• Make new cells/cell division
• Make normal-shaped red blood cells
• Help prevent anemia
• Help prevent birth defects
• Help prevent heart disease, stroke and certain
cancers.

4. Take a multi-vitamin with 400 mcg. of synthetic
folic acid every day

5. • Spina Bifida – 60%
• Anencephaly – 30%
• Encephalocele – 10%
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the second
most common cause of infant mortality.
NTDs occur in 1 out of every 2,000 babies.

6. • Defect of the skull – smaller defect than
anencephaly
• Protrusion of brain or skin-covered brain
• Rarer than the other types of NTDs
• Overall mortality rate about 29%

7. • Neural tube fails to close properly:
• Occurs by 28 gestational days
• Associated problems:
• Hydrocephalus
• Clubfoot
• Vertebral anomalies
• Renal anomalies
• Requires surgery 24-48 hours after birth

8. • Physical Costs: Possible paralysis
(the leading cause of childhood paralysis),
bowel and bladder control problems,
learning disabilities, hydrocephalus,
surgical procedures, latex allergies,
increased health problems with age