NTDs fell by about half after folic acid introduction in Canada
-->
The prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) fell by nearly half after folic acid fortification of foods was introduced in Canada in 1998, according to a study in the July 12 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Philippe De Wals, PhD, from Laval University in Quebec, Canada, and colleagues examined the effect of folic acid fortification of foods in Canada on the prevalence of NTDs. Fortification was introduced in 1998 and the study examined 1.9 million live births, stillbirths, and pregnancy terminations due to fetal anomalies from 1993–2002.
The researchers found there were 2,446 subjects with NTDs over this period. The prevalence of NTDs fell by 46% after folic acid fortification was introduced, from 1.58 to 0.86 per 1,000 births. The decrease was greatest in areas of Canada where the rate of defects was high before fortification, and fortification removed most geographical differences in prevalence.
Single iron infusion in late pregnancy significantly reduces anemia risk
January 22nd 2025A recent study found that a single dose of intravenous iron in the third trimester is superior to oral iron in reducing anemia rates in pregnant women, ensuring better outcomes for mother and baby.
Read More
Study highlights need for interventions to prevent postpartum smoking relapse
January 21st 2025Smoking cessation during pregnancy not only reduces pregnancy complications but also lowers the risk of relapse and new smoking initiation in the first postpartum year, according to a recent study.
Read More
