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.
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
9. • U.S. Public Health Service recommendation:
• “All women of childbearing age capable of
becoming pregnant should consume 400
micrograms (or 0.4 milligrams) of folic acid
daily.”
10. • U.S. Public Health Service recommendation:
• “All women of childbearing age capable of
becoming pregnant should consume 400
micrograms (or 0.4 milligrams) of folic acid
daily.”
