Folic acid saves 1,300 babies each year from serious birth defects of brain, spine
Thursday, January 15, 2015 - 15:30
in Health & Medicine
Fortifying grain foods with the B vitamin folic acid has saved about 1,300 babies every year from serious birth defects of the brain and spine known as neural tube defects. All women capable of having a baby should take a multivitamin containing folic acid every day, experts say. Women who had a previous pregnancy affected by an NTD should take high-dose folic acid beginning at least four weeks before becoming pregnant and through the first trimester.