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Review
. 2011 Mar;3(3):370-84.
doi: 10.3390/nu3030370. Epub 2011 Mar 15.

Folic acid food fortification-its history, effect, concerns, and future directions

Krista S Crider  1 , Lynn B Bailey, Robert J Berry
Affiliations
Review

Folic acid food fortification-its history, effect, concerns, and future directions

Krista S Crider et al. Nutrients. 2011 Mar.

Abstract

Periconceptional intake of folic acid is known to reduce a woman's risk of having an infant affected by a neural tube birth defect (NTD). National programs to mandate fortification of food with folic acid have reduced the prevalence of NTDs worldwide. Uncertainty surrounding possible unintended consequences has led to concerns about higher folic acid intake and food fortification programs. This uncertainty emphasizes the need to continually monitor fortification programs for accurate measures of their effect and the ability to address concerns as they arise. This review highlights the history, effect, concerns, and future directions of folic acid food fortification programs.

Keywords: cancer; epigenetics; flour fortification; folic acid; neural tube defects.

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