Folic Acid Fortification of Grain Supply

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., JANUARY 9, 2007 – Since folic acid fortification of the nation’s enriched grain products began in 1998, the rate of serious birth defects of the brain and spine has decreased 26 percent -- but thousands more babies could be spared these devastating conditions if more women consumed this crucial B vitamin every day, the March of Dimes said today.

In an effort to promote increased consumption of folic acid among women of childbearing age, the March of Dimes and the Grain Foods Foundation are teaming up to create a new “Folic Acid Seal for a Healthy Pregnancy” that will be featured on products at retail to help women quickly and easily identify grain products, such as white bread, that are enriched with folic acid.  

“This seal will make is easier for women to choose foods that are healthy for them and their babies,” said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. “Folic acid is the most important vitamin women can take to help prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine, and it’s most important that they start taking it before they get pregnant and continue to take it after.”

Only about a one-third of women of between the ages of 18 and 45 consume the recommended amount daily amount of folic acid and folate levels in the blood are dropping, according to federal reports. Daily consumption of folic acid, beginning before pregnancy, can prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, which can occur early in pregnancy, before a woman even realizes she is pregnant.

 Since 1998, the FDA has required the addition of 140 micrograms of folic acid per 100 grams of grain to cereals, breads, pastas, and other foods labeled “enriched.”

The March of Dimes and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that women of child bearing age consume at least 400 mg of folic acid a day before they become pregnant. Folate is the form of the B vitamin found naturally in foods.  Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate used in vitamin supplements and to fortify foods.

The groups most at risk are Hispanic women and those ages 18-24. These two groups have the lowest awareness of folic acid, and are the least likely to understand its benefits or to take a vitamin supplement containing folic acid.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish language Web site at nacersano.org.