Neural tube defects (NTDs) are birth defects of the brain, spine or spinal cord. They leave a devastating impact on families because they result in stillborn babies, babies born with brain damage or permanent paralysis of their legs.1

NTDs occur in babies during the first few weeks of pregnancy, at a time when most women do not realise they are pregnant.2 However, a woman can reduce her baby’s risk if she consumes folic acid daily prior to conception and during pregnancy.3

Experts recommend taking 400mcg of folic acid daily.4,5 Too little and you may not get sufficient folic acid, too much and you risk masking other nutrient deficiencies.6

So, start yourself on Appeton Essentials Folic Acid today- 400mcg daily for at least 6 weeks before planning to conceive.6,7

Never has so little made so much difference.

Learn more: Appeton Essentials Folic Acid

References:

1. NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Neural Tube Defects.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects.
3. MRC. Vitamin Study Research Group. Prevention of neural tube defects: Results of the Medical Research Council Vitamin Study. Lancet 1991.
4. NRC. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 1998.
5. National Coordinating Committee on Food and Nutrition, Ministry of Health Malaysia. Recommended Nutrient Intakes for Malaysia. 2005.
6. Prietro Cavalli. Prevention of neural tube defects and proper folate periconceptional supplementation. J Prenatal Med. 2008.
7. Nicole AH et.al. Folate status of reproductive age women and neural tube defect risk: Nutrients 2011.