Spina bifida

Spina bifida describes birth defects caused by an incomplete closure of one or more vertebral arches of the spine, resulting in malformations of the spinal cord. The spinal membranes and spinal cord may protrude through the absence of vertebral arches (called a cleft). These malformations fall into three categories: spina bifida occulta, spina bifida cystica (myelomeningocele) and meningocele.

Prevention

Doctors and scientists have found that folic acid can help to prevent spina bifida. It is recommended that all women of childbearing years as well as those women planning to become pregnant should take at least 0.4 mg of folic acid from at least one month before conception, and at least 1 mg of folic acid during at least the first three months of pregnancy. Women who have already had a baby with spina bifida or other type of neural tube defect should take extra folic acid - 4mg/day. As yet it is unknown how or why folic acid helps to prevent spina bifida.

Related Topics:
Doctor - Scientist - Folic acid - Mg - Conception

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Sources of folic acid include: Whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, dried beans, leaf vegetables, fruits.

Related Topics:
Whole grain - Breakfast cereal - Bean - Leaf vegetable - Fruit

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