DOUBLING THE NUMBER OF WOMEN CONSUMING VITAMIN SUPPLEMENT PILLS CONTAINING FOLIC-ACID - AN URGENTLY NEEDED BIRTH-DEFECT PREVENTION COMPLEMENT TO THE FOLIC-ACID FORTIFICATION OF CEREAL-GRAINS

The major known environmental causes of birth defects are ancient agen ts that have been in the environment for centuries but have been only recently discovered-rubella, alcohol, and folic acid deficiency, In th e United States, we have made great progress in preventing congenital rubella syndrome, We also have a great opportunity to prevent spina bi fida and anencephaly (SEA) by increasing the number of women who daily consume vitamin supplements containing folic acid. Even with the rece ntly announced grain fortification regulations, there are 45 million w omen unprotected from an SEA-affected pregnancy, This article suggests that a substantial educational campaign could, over a 5-year period, double the number of women consuming folic acid supplement pills and m ake a substantial contribution toward preventing SEA. Published by Els evier Science Inc.