Folic acid fortification of flour to prevent neural tube defects in Europe – A position statement by the European Board and college of obstetrics and gynaecology (EBCOG). (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Petch, Sarah; McAuliffe, Fionnuala; O'Reilly, Sharleen; Murphy, Cliona; Coulter-Smith, Sam; de Campos, Diogo Ayes; Khattak, Hajra; Mahmood, Tahir
• Is Part Of: European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology. Volume 279(2022)
• Page Start: 109
• Page End: 111
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Folic acid -- Flour fortification -- Neural tube defect -- Prevention -- National programme -- Unplanned pregnancy -- Pre-pregnancy; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Reproductive health -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Periodicals; Obstétrique -- Périodiques; Gynécologie -- Périodiques; Reproduction -- Périodiques; Verloskunde; Gynaecologie; Voortplanting (biologie); Gynecology; Obstetrics; Reproduction; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.10.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-2115

Abstract

Abstract: Neural tube defects are disabling birth defects developing during the very early stages of conception. Children born with spina bifida face significant physical, psychological and social consequences. They may have bowel and urinary dysfunction, and no lower limb muscle control, resulting in lifelong wheelchair use. There is robust evidence that periconceptual folic acid supplementation prevents neural tube defects, when compared with no intervention. However, approximately 40% pregnancies in Europe are unplanned, and women may therefore not be taking prophylactic folic acid at the time of conception. There is evidence that low dose folic acid consumption via flour fortification provides further benefits in prevention of neural tube defects.