A 2015 global update on folic acid ‐preventable spina bifida and anencephaly

ConclusionKnowledge that folic acid prevents spina bifida and anencephaly has existed for 25 years, yet only a small fraction of FAP SBA is being prevented worldwide. Several countries still have 5‐ to 20‐fold epidemics of FAP SBA. Implementation of mandatory fortification with folic acid offers governments a proven and rapid way to prevent FAP SBA‐associated disability and mortality, and to help achieve health‐related Sustainable Development Goals. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:520–529, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Source: Birth Defects Research Part A: Clinical and Molecular Teratology - July 14, 2016 Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Annelise Arth, Vijaya Kancherla, Helena Pach ón, Sarah Zimmerman, Quentin Johnson, Godfrey P. Oakley Tags: Research Article Source Type: research