A comprehensive evaluation of food fortification with folic acid for the primary prevention of neural tube defects

Liu, Shiliang and West, Roy and Randell, Edward and Longerich, Linda and O'Connor, Kathleen S. and Scott, Helen and Crowley, Marian and Lam, Angeline and Prabhakaran, Victor and McCourt, Catherine (2004) A comprehensive evaluation of food fortification with folic acid for the primary prevention of neural tube defects. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth , 4 (20). pp. 1-10. ISSN 1471-2393

[img] [English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

Download (311kB)

Abstract

Background: Periconceptional use of vitamin supplements containing folic acid reduces the risk of a neural tube defect (NTD). In November 1998, food fortification with folic acid was mandated in Canada, as a public health strategy to increase the folic acid intake of all women of childbearing age. We undertook a comprehensive population based study in Newfoundland to assess the benefits and possible adverse effects of this intervention. Methods: This study was carried out in women aged 19–44 years and in seniors from November 1997 to March 1998, and from November 2000 to March 2001. The evaluation was comprised of four components: I) Determination of rates of NTDs; II) Dietary assessment; III) Blood analysis; IV) Assessment of knowledge and use of folic acid supplements. Results: The annual rates of NTDs in Newfoundland varied greatly between 1976 and 1997, with a mean rate of 3.40 per 1,000 births. There was no significant change in the average rates between 1991–93 and 1994–97 (relative risk [RR] 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76–1.34). The rates of NTDs fell by 78% (95% CI 65%–86%) after the implementation of folic acid fortification, from an average of 4.36 per 1,000 births during 1991–1997 to 0.96 per 1,000 births during 1998–2001 (RR 0.22, 95% CI 0.14–0.35). The average dietary intake of folic acid due to fortification was 70 μg/day in women aged 19–44 years and 74 μg/day in seniors. There were significant increases in serum and RBC folate levels for women and seniors after mandatory fortification. Among seniors, there were no significant changes in indices typical of vitamin B12 deficiencies, and no evidence of improved folate status masking haematological manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency. The proportion of women aged 19–44 years taking a vitamin supplement containing folic acid increased from 17% to 28%. Conclusions: Based on these findings, mandatory food fortification in Canada should continue at the current levels. Public education regarding folic acid supplement use by women of childbearing age should also continue.

Item Type: Article
URI: http://research.library.mun.ca/id/eprint/456
Item ID: 456
Keywords: adult; age distribution; aged; article; blood analysis; Canada; controlled study; cyanocobalamin deficiency; diet supplementation; dietary intake; female; folic acid blood level; health education; hematologic disease; human; incidence; major clinical study; maternal age; maternal nutrition; neural tube defect; population research; primary prevention; public health; risk assessment; risk benefit analysis; risk reduction; vitamin supplementation
Department(s): Medicine, Faculty of > Community Health
Medicine, Faculty of > Clinical Disciplines > Laboratory Medicine
Date: 27 September 2004
Date Type: Publication

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over the past year

View more statistics