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Daily consumption of 400 ¦g of folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy dramatically reduces the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs). Before food fortification, however, only an estimated 29% of US reproductive-aged wome n were taking a supplement containing 400 ¦g of folic acid daily. The US Food and Drug Administration authorized addition of folic acid to enriched grain products in March 1996, with compliance mandatory by January 1998. A 19% reduction in NTD birth pre valence occurred following folic acid fortification of the US food supply. However, factors other than fortification may have contributed to this decline. |
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