10 Causes of Spina Bifida
Cause #2: Folate Deficiency
Research has shown that correction of folic acid deficiency in women is an effective way for prevention of spina bifida in infants. It has been estimated that about 50 percent of neural tube defects are due to folate deficiency.
For women who are planning to conceive, the recommended intake of folic acid is 400 mcg a day (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC) or 400 mcg to 800 mcg a day (United States Preventive Services Task Force). The CDC has found that after mandatory fortification, the prevalence of folate deficiency decreased by 22.9 percent.
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