Question

How can folic acid lower the risk of birth defects in pregnant women, and how can we educate individuals on the importance of folic acid intake?

Answer 1

Flicked acid is the most important vitamin which helps to reduce the neural tube defects among newborn babies. Folic Acid is a coenzyme. It plays an important role in many metabolisms. The developing unborn child needs it to grow cells, tissue and organs. During that phase, the folic acid requirements are higher than usual. As far back as 1976, scientists noticed that women who gave birth to NTD babies had low serum rates for folates and low vitamin levels in their red cells. An additional intake of 0.4 mgs of Folic Acid before and at the start of a pregnancy. The conclusive proof of the preventive effect of Folic Acid, even for women with no NTD history, came when a Hungarian study showed that, of the 2014 women who had taken additional Folic Acid, none developed an NTD, whereas, of the 2052 who had not, 6 cases were detected (Czeizel and Dudas, 1992). Recent research on NTD pathogenesis suggests that disorders linked to methioninesynthase activity could be one of the factors involved. This enzyme transforms homocysteine into methionine. To do so, it needs a methyle group which is provided by Folic Acid intake. If this transformation fails to take place, be it because of an enzyme anomaly or lack of Folic Acid, homocysteine levels increase. This would appear to prevent the closure of the Neural Tube. An additional intake of Folic Acid, coupled with an intake of vitamin B12 can rectify this anomaly which is in part connected with enzymes. Other studies have also shown that further anomalies such as heart malformations, lift and palate clefts and urethra malformations can be prevented by an additional intake of Folic Acid

It's the responsibility of the nurse as well as the treating doctor to educate the couple who are conceived or planning to conceive about the importance of taking folic acid before conception and to continue atleast during the first trimester. It will reduce the neural tube mallard formation among their offspring by 72% among 100%. Education given by means of providing handout which explains its importance and teach them about the frequency of taking medicines. Also educate them to take food which are rich in folic acid or folate.