Folate promotion in Western Australia and the prevention of neural tube defects
Abstract Objectives: We conducted a case‐control study to investigate the effectiveness of efforts to increase folate intake in Western Australia (WA) for the prevention of neural tube defects (NTD). Methods:Case (36) and control (578) mothers completed questionnaires, from which their intake of fol...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2004-10-01
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| Series: | Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-842X.2004.tb00028.x |
| Summary: | Abstract Objectives: We conducted a case‐control study to investigate the effectiveness of efforts to increase folate intake in Western Australia (WA) for the prevention of neural tube defects (NTD). Methods:Case (36) and control (578) mothers completed questionnaires, from which their intake of folate from supplements and food (including fortified foods) was estimated. Results:Almost one‐third of women took folic acid supplements periconceptionally. Supplement use was associated with a non‐significant 4% reduction in risk. For women not taking supplements, dietary sources of folate were protective, and most women obtained at least some folate from fortified food. Conclusions: For the two‐thirds of WA women not taking supplements, fortified food is an important source of folate for the prevention of NTD. Implications: Greater promotion of foods currently allowed to be fortified with folate, or mandatory fortification, is needed to maximise prevention of NTD in Australia. |
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| ISSN: | 1326-0200 1753-6405 |