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Prevention of first occurrence of neural tube defect

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The Department of Health recommend that all women planning a pregnancy should be encouraged to eat more folate rich foods and take a 400 microgram supplement preconceptually and up to the twelfth week of pregnancy.

While the consumption of folate-rich foods such as green vegetables should be encouraged it has been shown that only folate supplementation is effective in improving folate status.

If a woman is receiving established antiepileptic drugs then prophylaxis with folic acid 5mg per day may be appropriate (2).

Reference:

  • (1) Cuskelly, GJ. et al. (1996). Effect of increasing dietary folate on red-cell folate: implications for prevention of neural tube defects. Lancet, 346, 657-59.
  • (2) BNF 4.8

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