Date Published:
12 March 2009
Latest news on folic acid
Folic acid is a B vitamin found in some foods as well as in supplement form.
It's recommended that women of childbearing age who are sexually active
take a daily supplement of folic acid to prevent possible neural tube defects
(NTD's) in their baby.
A Department of Health expert group, convened by the Food Safety Authority
of Ireland, has considered the option of mandatory fortification of food to
increase folate levels in the population. The main outcome of their report is
that mandatory fortification is not required at this time. The report highlights
the importance of taking folic acid and continues to recommend that all women
who could become pregnant are advised to take a supplement of 400µg (micrograms)
of folic acid each day.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children
survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's
largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child
health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education
for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation,
and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals,
businesses, foundations and governments.
News is included on the IvyRose website to inform visitors about current health
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in the article above are not necessarily those of IvyRose Ltd.. Material in
this news item was released by the UNICEF on 12 March 2009 and may have been
edited (e.g. in style, length, and/or for ease of understanding by our international
readers) for inclusion here. For further information, please visit their website.
