Folic acid intake and its effects on the prevention of neural tube defects, the masking of vitamin B12 deficiency and the reduction of homocysteine.

Misti Leyva

Journal: The Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association 2002;95(5):339-42

PMID: 12043109

Abstract

The FDA's decision to require the fortification of the United State's grain supply with folic acid was made complex by proponents' arguments for its protective properties against neural tube defects (NTD) vs. opponents' concern regarding safety-risks in masking vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly. Since this regulation mandated an effective date of January 1, 1998, research has been conducted to identify the impact that the fortification of 140 micrograms/100 g of grain in the U.S. grain supply has had on public health. Studies attempted to more accurately describe the minimum effective dose for prevention of NTD and to identify the levels at which it presents a health risk. Several studies have been reviewed and recommendations have been provided for altering the level of folic acid fortification.

Address: General Clinical Research Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, USA.

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Free resources

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/neuraltubedefects.html

MeSH Terms: Female, Folic Acid, Homocysteine, Humans, Infant, Newborn, Neural Tube Defects, Oklahoma, Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Primary Prevention, Risk Assessment, United States, United States Food and Drug Administration, Vitamin B 12 Deficiency