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Spina Bifida and Anencephaly are serious birth defects that affect the brain and spinal cord. Babies with anencephaly
die before or shortly after birth. Babies born with spina bifida usually grow to adulthood, but often suffer some
degree of paralysis or disability. Each year, 2,500 – 3,000 births in the U.S. are affected by these neural tube
defects (NTDs). Recent research shows that folic acid may also help prevent cleft palate, congenital heart defects,
prematurity and low birthweight.
Folic acid is a “B” vitamin. If all women had enough of this vitamin before becoming pregnant, the number of babies
born with an NTD could decrease by as much as 70%. Since 1992, the U. S. Public Health Service has been recommending
all women of childbearing age take 400 micrograms of supplemental folic acid each day.
Since half of all babies are unplanned and neural tube birth defects occur very early in pregnancy, it is
important that women take a vitamin supplement containing Folic Acid and include Folic Acid in their diets all
the time.
ESBA is hoping that through education about the need for Folic Acid for all women of childbearing age, we can help
decrease the number of people with neural tube defects. Through educational efforts, the number of NTDs is decreasing,
but not fast enough! We have a representative on the Washington State Folic Acid Education Council. We would like to
have an alternate/additional representative. Any volunteers?
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