[Prevention of neural tube defects with folic acid]

Abstract

Neural Tube Defects (NTD's) include a large number of congenital malformations produced when the open neural tube presents a very early stages in the development of the human embryo fails to close on or before the first month post conception. NTD's are considered to be one of the most common forms of malformations with varying degrees depending of genetic and environmental conditions. The studies prove that the additional taken of folic acid plays an important role against the NTD's. Numerous studies prove this "B" vitamin has an important protective effect not only for the recurrence of NTD's, but for new cases too. In light of these, in 1992 the US Public Health Services issued the recommendation that all women in child-bearing age should consume at least 0.4 mg (400 micrograms) of folic acid daily.