NEURAL-TUBE DEFECTS AND FOLIC-ACID - A SOUTH-AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are ubiquitous, but their incidence varies according to geographical location, ethnicity and socio-economic statu s, Recent evidence has documented that their occurrence and recurrence can be reduced significantly by periconceptual supplementation with f olic acid. In consequence, governments, nationally acid internationall y, have recommended periconceptual folic acid supplementation for all women considering a pregnancy, and more specifically those who have pr eviously given birth to a child with an NTD, The US government has als o legislated for the fortification of specific grain products with fol ic acid, South African dietary intake studies have concluded that foli c acid intake in rural black women of childbearing age is insufficient . Until now, most of the research undertaken to elucidate the causes o f NTDs, and the recommendations for their prevention, have originated from the First World. Given the factors that affect their incidence, i t is essential that appropriate research be undertaken in South Africa before further recommendations are made for the prevention of NTDs in this country.