Folate and neural tube defects

摘要: A protective effect of folate against the development neural tube defects (NTDs), specifically, anencephaly and spina bifida, is now well recognized, having been established by a chain clinical research studies over past half century. This article summarizes more important these studies, which have led to current situation in all women capable becoming pregnant are urged ingest folic acid regularly. The recommended intakes 4 mg/d for those at high risk (by virtue previous NTD pregnancy outcome) 0.4 others. However, reduction births did not follow promulgation recommendations, so fortification was mandated United States some other countries. Although controversy remains about adequacy levels, process followed significant improvement indexes 25-30% frequency (about one-half proportion cases assumed be responsive folate). folate-NTD relation represents only instance congenital malformation can prevented simply consistently. Nevertheless, several gaps remain: identification mechanism defect occurs how ameliorates it; characterization relative efficacy food folate, added foods, itself; delineation dose-response relations prevention; precise quantification dose needed prevent recurrences.