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Folic Acid for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects Pediartrics 104:325-327, Committee on Genetics, 1999 See this aricle in Pubmed Article Abstract The American Academy of Pediatrics endorses the US Public Health Service (USPHS) recommendation that all women capable of becoming pregnant consume 400 ug of folic acid daily to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs). Studies have demonstrated that periconceptional folic acid supplementation can prevent 50% or more of NTDs such as spina bifida and anencephaly. For women who have previously had an NTD-affected pregnancy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends increasin g the intake of folic acid to 4000 ug per day beginning at least 1 month before conception and continuing through the first trimester. Implementation of these recommendations is essential for the primary prevention of these serious and disabling birth de fects. Because fewer than 1 in 3 women consume the amount of folic acid recommended by the USPHS, the Academy notes that the prevention of NTDs depends on an urgent and effective campaign to close this prevention gap.

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(click to filter results - removes previous filter) folic acid folic acid deficiency malformation,CNS,congenital neural tube defect practice guidelines pregnancy,neurologic complications in prenatal prevention of neurologic disorders review article risk factors treatment of neurologic disorder vitamin deficiency vitamin supplementation

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