Can anencephaly be prevented?
For some time now, the aetiology of Neural Tube Defects has cited diet and environmental factors. Clinical studies have confirmed that taking a vitamin called Folic Acid reduces the risk of developing a Neural Tube Defect. If all women of child-bearing age took 0.4 mgs of Folic Acid every day before conception and at least until the end of the first term of pregnancy, 50 to 70% of potential cases of anencephaly and Spina Bifida could be prevented (Ceizel and Dudas, 1992).
