Periconceptional supplementation with folic acid to prevent neural tube defects

The nutritional status of women prior to and during pregnancy plays a key role in fetal growth and development. Poor nutritional status in a woman in the period before she conceives and in early pregnancy (up to 12 weeks gestation),may increase the risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. This periconceptional period is therefore considered to be an important time for interventions that promote maternal health and thereby increase the likelihood of positive pregnancy outcomes.

Birth defects, or congenital malformations, are structural or functional abnormalities present from birth and can be caused by a number of factors, including micronutrient deficiencies. Neural tube defects such as spina bifida are one of the most common congenital malformations.

Current evidence suggests that folic acid supplementation in the periconceptional period, either alone or in combination with other vitamins and minerals, can prevent neural tube defects.