Folic Acid Awareness Low Among US Women
Tuesday, January 15, 2008 5:01All the way back in 1994, the March of Dimes began a campaign encouraging women to increase their folic acid intake to prevent neural tube defects. Then, in ‘96, the FDA approved the fortification of certain grain products like cereals and white bread with folic acid. By the year 2000, interventions begun by the March of Dimes had resulted in a 21% decrease in the rate of neural tube defects.
All women of child bearing age should consume 400 mcg of folic acid from supplements or fortified foods daily, along with a diet rich in natural sources of folic acid. Unfortunately, results of a poll sponsored by the March of Dimes showed that only 40% of women between the ages of 18 and 45 take a daily supplement containing folic acid.
Awareness about foods which contain folic acid is also low, with 2/3 of women incorrectly identifying whole and multi-grain breads as having more folate than white bread. Interestingly, enriched white bread has twice as much folic acid as the whole grain alternatives.
With 50% of pregnancies in the US being unplanned, it is critical that women consume enough folic acid on a daily basis. As a result, the March of Dimes and the Grain Foods Foundation have created a new Folic Acid for a Healthy Pregnancy seal. The seal will be displayed on foods that are enriched with folic acid, to help women identify them quickly and easily. So, if you’re a woman, keep your eyes open and look for the seal, or take a vitamin supplement containing 400 mcg of folic acid every day!
More on folic acid from the March of Dimes:
Folic acid, a B vitamin, helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord when taken very early in pregnancy. It is available in most multivitamins, as a folic acid-only supplement and in some foods.The March of Dimes encourages all women of childbearing age to take a multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, as part of a healthy diet. Most multivitamins have this amount, but check the label to be sure. A healthy diet includes foods that contain folate, the natural form of the vitamin. Such foods include fortified breakfast cereals, beans, leafy green vegetables and orange juice.
Similar Posts:
- Folic Acid Supplementation Before Conception Reduces Prematurity
- 5 Pre-Conception Tips for a Healthier Pregnancy
- Healthy Choices Lower Your Risk of Having Preemie – Blogging for Prematurity Awareness
- Whole Grain Goodness *Giveaway*
