By ANGELA DIXON, R.N.
Fayette County Health Dept.

Did you know that each year in the United States about 4,000 pregnancies are affected by spina bifida and anencephaly? Spina bifida and anencephaly are serious birth defects of the spine and brain that occur in newborns within the first four weeks after conception, often before a woman knows that she is pregnant. Both of these disorders are the most common preventable birth defects known to date. An estimated 50-70 percent of these birth defects could be prevented if all women of childbearing age (usually between age 15 to 45) consume 0.4 milligrams (400 micrograms) of folic acid daily. This is the amount found in most multivitamins. Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps cells grow and divide the way they should.

The easiest way to make sure enough folic acid is consumed is to take a multivitamin with folic acid in it everyday. Half of all pregnancies are unplanned so it is important that all women, even women who are not planning to become pregnant any time soon, get enough folic acid on a daily basis. Folic acid is also found in many foods. However, the amount needed to prevent a birth defect is hard to consume by food alone.

Foods that have the highest amounts of folic acid are fortified breakfast cereals, dried beans and peas, liver, spinach and other leafy greens, oranges, grapefruits, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. To get the most folic acid from your food, eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Drink orange juice every day or several times a week. When you cook vegetables, steam them or cook them in a small amount of water. It is important not to overcook vegetables because it will change the amount of folic acid you will be consuming. Eat whole grain bread instead of white bread. Choose cereals that have folic acid added to them. The folic acid in fortified cereals is more easily absorbed by the body than the folic acid that occurs naturally in foods. Eat these cereals for breakfast or as a snack. Eat dried beans or peas several times a week. Again, the surest way to get the recommended amount of folic acid is to eat a healthy diet and take a multivitamin supplement every day.

The Fayette County Health Department has some good brochures that list the amount of folic acid found in foods as well as some sample menus. If you have any questions about folic acid, discuss your concerns with your physician. If you are planning a pregnancy, it is important that you start getting enough folic acid now. Call your doctor or the health department at 770-461-1178, ext. 416 for more information. The March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation (1-800-367-6630) can also provide you with important information.

This article is short and simple but it provides information all women who are able to become pregnant (teenagers, women using birth control, and even women reaching menopause) need to know to prevent spina bifida and anencephaly. Share the information with your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. The more women who know about the importance of folic acid, the less number of preventable birth defects we will have.

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