Folic acid - a healthy start to life

On average two babies every month are born with a neural tube defect (NTD) in Northern Ireland, the most common of these being spina bifida. The Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland today launched a major public information campaign that highlights the importance of folic acid in helping to reduce the number of babies born with a NTD.

Speaking at the launch, Angela McComb, Nutrition Programme Manager for the Health Promotion Agency, said: "Research has shown that if a woman increases her intake of folic acid before conception and during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy the risk of her child developing a NTD can be reduced by at least 70%.

"Folic acid is a B vitamin and is completely safe to take. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant are recommended to take a 400 microgram supplement of folic acid. They should also eat more foods rich in folic acid such as cabbage, peas and parsnips and look out for breads and breakfast cereals with added folic acid when they're shopping."

Research conducted by the Health Promotion Agency showed that while 59% of women had heard of folic acid many did not know about the benefits of taking it. The Agency's drive to promote folic acid involves a major campaign incorporating television and cinema advertising. Over a quarter of a million copies of a free magazine, eye-catching posters and leaflets will also be distributed.

Thanks to the support of major food retailers and distributors, materials linked to the campaign will be available through supermarkets as well as a range of other commercial outlets such as hairdressers and cinemas. Support for the campaign has also been given by many pharmacists, primary healthcare staff and dentists across Northern Ireland.

Professor Nevin, Consultant Clinical Geneticist, Northern Ireland Regional Genetics Centre, who helped launch the campaign said: "It is important that all women who could become pregnant know about the benefits of folic acid. Many years of hard work have gone into researching the link between folic acid and neural tube defects. It is vital that women have access to this information and I very much welcome this campaign."

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