New Folic Acid Seal Helps Women Chose Enriched Grain Foods to Help Prevent Birth Defects
                                                        January is Birth Defects Prevention Month

                (Southfield, MI, 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.
                January is Birth Defects Prevention Month and January 7-13, 2008 marks Folic Acid Awareness Week.  Both initiatives share the goal of increasing awareness of the importance of folic acid in preventing birth defects.   
 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 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. 
                “The Folic Acid for a Healthy Pregnancy seal will make is easier for women to choose foods that are healthy for them and their babies,” said Sandy Geller,  Chair of the Program Services Committee of the March of Dimes Michigan 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.”

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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.