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from the Arkansas Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention
Taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily before and during
pregnancy can lower the risk of serious birth defects by up to 70%.
Many women have heard about folic acid, but do not know if they
should take it. They report that they would take folic acid if their
doctor told them to. A study at the Arkansas Center tested whether
this is true.
- The Center looked at the influence of doctors and nurses who
tell women to take folic acid daily.
- Women were given facts about folic acid as part of their
routine doctor's visits. Some women got pamphlets on folic acid.
Others were told by their doctor and a clinic nurse to take
folic acid.
- The study showed that many women do not know about the link
between folic acid and birth defects. It also showed that women
who do not want to have children are not as willing to take this
B vitamin.
- The research showed that a very brief message by the doctor
almost doubled the percentage of women taking folic acid
regularly.
- This study points out that doctors who spend just a little
time talking to patients about folic acid can have a very big
impact.
Source: Centers for Birth Defects Research and Prevention.
Arkansas: The importance of folic acid in preventing birth defects.
NBDPS News 2004:2.
[Back to Arkansas Center information]
Date:
March 11, 2009
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental
Disabilities
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