Folic Acid Supplementation to Prevent Neural Tube Defects

Michael J. Barry; Wanda K. Nicholson; Michael Silverstein; David Chelmow; Tumaini Rucker Coker; Esa M. Davis; Katrina E. Donahue; Carlos Roberto Jaén; Li Li; Gbenga Ogedegbe; Goutham Rao; John M. Ruiz; James Stevermer; Joel Tsevat; Sandra Millon Underwood; John B. Wong

doi:10.1001/jama.2023.12876

Lifestyle and Environment · Nutrition and Metabolic Health

Folic Acid Supplementation to Prevent Neural Tube Defects

Barry MJ, Nicholson WK, Silverstein M, Chelmow D, Coker TR, Davis EM, Donahue KE, Jaén CR, Li L, Ogedegbe G, Rao G, Ruiz JM, Stevermer J, Tsevat J, Underwood SM, Wong JB

Published August 2023 JAMA, 330(5), 454

DOI 10.1001/jama.2023.12876

Abstract

Importance

Neural tube defects are among the most common congenital malformations in the US, with an estimated 3000 pregnancies affected each year. Many of these neural tube defects are caused by low folate levels in the body.

Objective

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a reaffirmation evidence update on the benefits and harms of folic acid supplementation.

Population

Persons who are planning to or could become pregnant.Evidence Assessment The USPSTF concludes that, for persons who are planning to or could become pregnant, there is high certainty that folic acid supplementation has a substantial net benefit to prevent neural tube defects in their offspring.Recommendation The USPSTF recommends that all persons planning to or who could become pregnant take a daily supplement containing 0.4 to 0.8 mg (400 to 800 μg) of folic acid. (A recommendation)

Topics

Lifestyle and Environment › Nutrition and Metabolic Health › Dietary Patterns · Clinical Guidelines and Standards › Guidelines by Issuing Body › United States Professional Societies · Therapeutics › Supplements and Botanicals › Vitamins and Minerals

Michael J. Barry, Wanda K. Nicholson, Michael Silverstein, David Chelmow, Tumaini Rucker Coker, Esa M. Davis, Katrina E. Donahue, Carlos Roberto Jaén, Li Li, Gbenga Ogedegbe, Goutham Rao, John M. Ruiz, James Stevermer, Joel Tsevat, Sandra Millon Underwood, John B. Wong

Mike Barry, M Barry, W Nicholson, Mike Silverstein, M Silverstein, Dave Chelmow, D Chelmow, T Coker, E Davis, K Donahue, C Jaén, L Li, G Ogedegbe, G Rao, Jack Ruiz, J Ruiz, Jim Stevermer, Jimmy Stevermer, J Stevermer, J Tsevat, S Underwood, Jack Wong, J Wong

DOI 10.1001/jama.2023.12876 10.1001/jama.2023.12876 Barry et al. 2023, Barry 2023

Folic Acid Supplementation to Prevent Neural Tube Defects

Abstract

Topics

By this author

Decision aids for people facing health treatment or screening decisions

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