(Chicago, IL JAN. 9, 2008)—In an effort to promote increased consumption of folic acid among women of childbearing age, the March of Dimes and the Grain Foods Foundation have created a new Folic Acid for a Healthy Pregnancy seal that will be featured on select products at retail locations to help women quickly and easily identify grain products that are enriched with folic acid.
Daily consumption of folic acid beginning before pregnancy is crucial because birth defects of the brain and spine known as neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida, can occur in the early weeks following conception, often before a woman knows she is pregnant.  The March of Dimes urges all women of childbearing age to consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily beginning before pregnancy and continuing into the early months of pregnancy.  Bread, crackers, bagels, pasta, pretzels and tortillas made from fortified, enriched white flour are popular and important sources of folic acid. 
2008 marks the ten-year anniversary of folic acid fortification to enriched flour.  Since the FDA issued the mandate in 1998, neural tube defects (NTDs), including spina bifida, have declined by 26 percent.
  “The Folic Acid for a Healthy Pregnancy seal will make it easier for women to choose foods that are healthy for them and their babies,” said Janine Lewis, Chair of the Program Services Committee of the March of Dimes Illinois Chapter. “ 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.”

New Newborn Screening Requirement for Illinois
According to the latest March of Dimes Newborn Screening Report Card, Illinois has made great strides in advocacy and awareness in the last few years, and as of January 28, 14 birthing hospitals in the state with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Centers will begin screening for CF.  By March, all hospitals in Illinois will screen for all 29 disorders.  If diagnosed early, devastating conditions can be successfully managed or treated to prevent severe consequences.  As recent as 2007, Illinois was screening for 28 out of the 29 disorders.
Nearly 90 percent of all babies born in the United States – more than double the percentage in 2005 – live in states that require screening for at least 21 serious disorders, The March of Dimes endorsed the 2004 report of the American College of Medical Genetics that called for every baby born in the U.S. to be screened for 29 genetic or functional disorders.  Two years ago, after the March of Dimes endorsement, only 38 percent of infants were born in states that required screening for at least 21 of these 29 core conditions.  As a result of four years of intensive advocacy efforts by March of Dimes chapters and their partners, that percentage has increased to 87.5, or about 3.6 million babies. 

About the March of Dimes The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.  With chapters nationwide and its signature event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies.  For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

About the Grain Foods Foundation The Grain Foods Foundation, a joint venture of members of the milling and baking industries formed in 2004, is dedicated to advancing the public’s understanding of the beneficial role grain-based foods play in the human diet.  Directed by a board of trustees, funding for the Foundation is provided through voluntary donations from private grain-based food companies and is supplemented by industry associations.  For more information about the Grain Foods Foundation, visit grainpower.org.