Global heterogeneity in folic acid fortification policies and implications for prevention of neural tube defects and stroke: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Folic acid (pteroylmonoglutamic acid) supplements are highly effective for prevention of neural tube defects (NTD) prompting implementation of mandatory or voluntary folic acid fortification for prevention of NTDs. We used plasma folate levels in population studies by country and year to compare effects of folic acid fortification types (mandatory or voluntary folic acid fortification policies) on plasma folate levels, NTD prevalence and stroke mortality rates.

Methods

We conducted systematic reviews of (i) implementation of folic acid fortification in 193 countries that were member states of the World Health Organization by country and year, and (ii) estimated population mean plasma folate levels by year and type of folic acid fortification. We identified relevan

SUBMITTER: Quinn M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10758734 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature