Why awareness about folic acid is the key to prevent Spina Bifida, PgII

Key Highlights:

• Spina Bifida, a birth defect causing paralysis, affects over 25,000 children in India annually.
• Pre-conceptional intake of folic acid can prevent over 70% of Spina Bifida cases.
• India's prevalence rate is high at approximately 4 per 1,000 births, while many countries have reduced it to below 1 per 1,000 through awareness and food fortification.
• A trial suggests tea fortification with folate and vitamin B12 could help prevent complications.

Detailed Insights:

• Spina Bifida results in varying degrees of paralysis, hydrocephalus, incontinence and orthopaedic issues, but children can lead productive lives with proper medical care.
• Despite the proven benefits of folic acid since 1991, India lacks national awareness campaigns and food fortification programs.
• Many countries have successfully lowered Spina Bifida rates through national campaigns and mandatory food fortification with folic acid.
• Research indicates that fortifying widely consumed foods like salt or tea with folic acid and vitamin B12 could be effective in India.
• Preventing Spina Bifida through folic acid supplementation is more cost-effective than treating and rehabilitating affected individuals.
• A national awareness campaign and food fortification are crucial for preventing Spina Bifida and related birth defects in India.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Spina Bifida: A birth defect of the spinal cord leading to paralysis and other complications.
• Folic Acid: A B vitamin that can prevent neural tube defects like Spina Bifida when taken before and during pregnancy.
• Food Fortification: Adding essential micronutrients to food to improve public health.