Title: Commentary: Fortifying oral contraceptives with folic acid.

POPLINE Document Number: 273964

Source citation:

AWHONN Lifelines, 2004 Feb-Mar;8(1):12-13.

Abstract:

The following is a statement from AWHONN to the Food and Drug Administration’s Advisory Committee for Reproductive Health Drugs presented in live testimony on December 15, 2003, in Washington, D.C., by Claudia Reid Ravin, CNM, MSN, associate director of women’s health programs for AWHONN. Significant evidence exists to demonstrate the benefits to women of reproductive age in consuming folic acid for the prevention of significant birth defects. Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most serious, common and preventable birth defects that occur in the U.S. Each year an estimated 2,500 babies are born with these defects, and many additional affected pregnancies result in miscarriage or stillbirth. Up to 70 percent of NTDs can be prevented by consuming 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, beginning before pregnancy. This recommendation is supported by the Institute of Medicine, which advises that all women of childbearing age take 400 micrograms of synthetic folic acid daily, from supplements and/or fortified foods, to reduce NTD risk. (excerpt)

Keywords:

United States
Critique
Women
Folic Acid
Oral Contraceptives
Birth Defects
Preventive Health Care
Counseling
Pregnancy, Unplanned
Vitamins and Minerals
Developed Countries
North America
Americas
Demographic Factors
Population
Physiology
Biology
Contraceptive Methods
Contraception
Family Planning
Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities
Diseases
Health Services
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Clinic Activities
Program Activities
Programs
Organization and Administration
Reproductive Behavior
Fertility
Population Dynamics