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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