Spina Bifida Association of Greater New Orleans
We serve the entire state of Louisiana
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Folic Acid Every Day: Tips for Women Folic acid isn’t just for expectant moms. That, according to the Spina Bifida Association (SBA), is the key message that will help dramatically reduce the occurrence of Spina bifida in the United States, especially among Hispanics. By encouraging all women in their child-bearing years to increase their folic acid intake, the SBA hopes to dramatically reduce the incidence of Spina bifida. Spina bifida, an incomplete closure of the spinal column, is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States, and occurs more frequently among Hispanics than among any other population group. The exact cause of Spina bifida is not known, but it occurs within the first month of pregnancy. “We strongly encourage all women of childbearing age to make folic acid a daily habit, whether or not they are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant,” said Al Hitt. “Research shows that folic acid has other health benefits as well.” By consuming 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid in a supplement or multivitamin before pregnancy, women can reduce the likelihood of their child being born with serious birth defects like Spina bifida by as much as 70 percent. Folic acid also plays a role in the growth of healthy cells, may contribute to a healthy heart and may help prevent certain types of cancer. One way to consume more folic acid is to take a multivitamin that has folic acid in it. Eating green vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli, and drinking certain fruit juices, such as orange juice, are part of a healthy diet, but cannot give you all the folic acid you need. Because folic acid is not as easily absorbed by the body through these sources, the SBA recommends women choose from one of the following ways to get the recommended daily amount of folic acid: • Take a daily multivitamin. Most multivitamins sold in the United States contain all the folic acid needed for one day. • Take folic acid supplements. Unlike multivitamins, these contain only folic acid. • Eat breakfast cereals with added folic acid. Some breakfast cereals have 100 percent of the folic acid women need in a day. Look for “100%” next to “folic acid” on the nutrition label. To learn more about Spina bifida and how to increase folic acid intake, contact the Spina Bifida Association of Greater New Orleans. Spina Bifida Association of Greater New Orleans activities includes Camp Friendship, a free summer camp for kids with Spina bifida, Advocacy, Information and referral services. For more information, contact Spina Bifida Association of Greater New Orleans at 504 473 2978, Email at sbagno@sbagno.org, or at our web site www.sbagno.org or the SBA national office at (800) 621-3141 or www.sbaa.org.
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