How is folic acid connected with NTD?
Since the 1960s there has been mounting evidence of a decreased prevalence of NTD with increased intake of folic acid during the period around conception. Folic acid and folate (the anionic form) are forms of Vitamin B. Folic acid and folate occur naturally in food; folic acid may be added to some foods and can also be taken as a supplement. Folate is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells, which is especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth such as infancy and pregnancy. Over the past decade Australian governments have actively promoted folic acid intake around the time of conception in an attempt to reduce the prevalence of NTD. From September 2009 onwards, Australia will join many other developed countries in having mandatory folic acid fortification of flour for bread making, in an attempt to further reduce the prevalence of NTD.
