The March of Dimes is a member of the National Council on Folic Acid, a collaborative group of health organizations whose mission is to improve health by promoting the benefits and consumption of folic acid. Its two programs are:

• To reduce folic-acid preventable birth defects by recommending that all women of childbearing age take 400 micrograms of synthetic folic acid daily from fortified foods and/or supplements, in addition to consuming food folate from a varied diet
• To communicate and promote emerging and new science on folic acid, especially as it relates to maternal and child health

The National Council on Folic Acid's Web site contains highlights of member activities and programs and has a calendar of conferences and meetings. Links to member Web sites are provided, and a news section provides daily updates of folic acid stories in the media.

For more information on the council, please e-mail us.