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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:
January 03, 2008
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental
Disabilities
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