Neural tube defects folic acid

C. Nutritional risk factors for neural tube defects Folic acid... 

Neural tube defects Folic acid RCTs showed reduction in recurrence and occurrence when folic acid was taken preconceptionally MRC study (1991), Czeizel and Dudas (1992)... 

It is recommended that women of childbearing age take 400 pg/d synthetic folic acid as a supplement in order to reduce the risk of neural tube defects of the embryo when they later become pregnant (periconcep-tional folic acid supplementation) [2]. When supplementing folic acid, it should be considered that this vitamin can mask the simultaneous presence of vitamin B12 deficiency. The typical symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency, megaloblastic (= macrocytic) anemia, will be reduced by high doses of folic acid, yet the nervous system will - in the long run - be irreversibly damaged (= funicular myelitis) when vitamin B12 is not provided as well. 

Folic Acid Supplements Reduce the Risk of Neural Tube Defects Hyperhomocysteinemia... 

Folic acid 400 meg orally daily High risk = personal or family history of neural tube defects... 

Ferm, V.H. and D.P. Hanlon. 1986. Arsenate-induced neural tube defects not influenced by constant rate administration of folic acid. Pediatric Res. 20 761-762. 

Administration of folic acid can reduce the risk of neural tube defects. 

In view of the reported growing importance ascribed to folic acid deficiency in the prevention of various disease conditions, such as neural tube defects, megaloblastic anemia, colon cancer, and colorectal cancer, a dissolution requirement is specified for folic acid when it is present in multivitamin-mineral combination products. Currently, the dissolution standard required in the official articles of dietary supplements (including vitamin-mineral combination products) places folic acid outside the index vitamin hierarchy. Therefore, a mandatory dissolution test for folic acid is required that is independent of and in addition to the mandatory index vitamin test for multivitamin preparations containing folic acid. 

Other examples include osteoporosis and vitamin D,28 and neural tube defects and folic acid.29 Many cancers involve genetic predispositions these, too, presumably interact with differing needs for the diverse nutrients and phytochemicals that are protective. 

Anti-epileptic drugs, such as phenytoin, carbamazepine and valproate, may lead to neural tube defects if administered during pregnancy. Concurrent administration of folate supplements, such as folic acid, is recommended. 

An important indication for folic acid has become the prevention of neural tube defects when given to women three months before conception and during the first trimester. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for folate equivalents for pregnant women is 600-800 pg, twice the normal RDA of 400 pg for women who are not pregnant. 

Because both drugs may interfere with folic acid metabolism, their use during pregnancy is usually contraindicated by the potential for effects on the fetus, such as the development of neural tube defects associated with folate deficiency. The use of trimethoprim is contraindicated in patients with blood dyscrasias, hepatic damage, and renal impairment. 

Folic acid supplements are given to pregnant women to decrease the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Prenatal vitamin preparations that contain higher concentrations of folic acid must be dispensed under a health care worker s guidance because high folate intakes can mask the symptoms of pernicious anemia. 

Bailey, L. B., Rampersaud, G. C., Kauwell, G. P. (2003). Folic acid supplements and fortification affect the risk for neural tube defects, vascular disease and cancer evolving science. J. Nutr., 133,1961S-1968S. 

Folic acid deficiency, unlike vitamin B12 deficiency, is often caused by inadequate dietary intake of folates. Patients with alcohol dependence and patients with liver disease can develop folic acid deficiency because of poor diet and diminished hepatic storage of folates. Pregnant women and patients with hemolytic anemia have increased folate requirements and may become folic acid-deficient, especially if their diets are marginal. Evidence implicates maternal folic acid deficiency in the occurrence of fetal neural tube defects, eg, spina bifida. (See Folic Acid Supplementation A Public Health Dilemma.) Patients with malabsorption syndromes also frequently develop folic acid deficiency. Patients who require renal dialysis develop folic acid deficiency because folates are removed from the plasma during the dialysis procedure. 

Johnston RB Jr Will increasing folic acid in fortified grain products further reduce neural tube defects without causing harm Consideration of the evidence. Pediatr Res 2008 63 2. [PMID 18043498]... 

Yerby MS (2003) Clinical care of pregnant women with epilepsy neural tube defects and folic acid supplementation. Epilepsia 44 33-40... 

Deficiency of folic acid is a common nutritional problem of worldwide importance.13 A recommended daily intake is 0.2 mg, but because of the association between low folic acid intake and neural tube defects in infants, women of child-bearing age should have 0.4 mg / day.c e... 

J Mulinare. Public health perspectives on folic acid and neural tube defects. Cereal Foods World 40 58-61, 1995. 

GE Gaull, CA Testa, PR Thomas, DA Weinreich. Fortification of the food supply with folic acid to prevent neural tube defects is not yet warranted. J Nutr 126 773S-780S, 1996. 

Anyone taking diuretics for longer than six months may experience a folate, or folic acid, deficiency. Folic acid plays a part in the health and reproduction of virtually every cell in the body. It is responsible for protein metabolism, the prevention of neural tube defects in pregnancy, blood cell production, and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Individuals with folate deficiencies may suffer from anemia, depression and other mood disorders, and may give birth to babies with neural tube defects. Supplementation with folic acid may be useful in reversing these effects. 

It s never too early to start taking a prenatal vitamin when attempting to conceive. If one makes you feel nauseated, keep trying others, as there is a large variety on the market. But be absolutely sure to take one that includes the maximum daily recommended dose of folic acid (important for helping prevent neural tube defects and spina bifida). Organic prenatal vitamins do exist. The main differences between these and more conventional vitamins is that they re vegetarian and include no filler, artificial color, or flavor. 

Get on a prenatal vitamin. There are organic versions that are dye-free and contain fewer and more natural ingredients. Just make sure they have the right dosages of everything you need, especially folic acid to help prevent neural tube defects. 

There has been an association between folate deficiency during the first weeks of pregnancy and neural tube defects, leading to a campaign to encourage folic acid intake. In as how much UV exposure might contribute to folate deficiency is still under discussion.126-128... 

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