New provincial guidelines on folic acid intake were announced today to reduce the risk of Island children being born with neural tube defects such as spina bifida. The announcement was made by the Department of Health and Social Services, the Medical Society of PEI, the PEI Reproductive Care Program and the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalic Association of PEI.
The new guidelines recommend that women planning a pregnancy or who may become pregnant take a multivitamin supplement containing 0.4 mg of folic acid eight to ten weeks before conception and continuing for the first ten to twelve weeks of pregnancy.
Health and Social Services Minister Jamie Ballem advised that the number of children born with neural tube defects in PEI is more than twice the national average of one child out of every 1000 births. "Reducing this number is a serious child health issue for us."
"These new guidelines support research which shows that, when a woman receives the recommended level of folic acid, the chance of her child being born with a neural tube defect is reduced by 50 to 70 per cent," said the Minister.
"A comprehensive public education campaign is in place to educate health professionals and women on the new guidelines. Posters and information brochures are being placed in physician, public health nursing and dietitian offices, pharmacies, and family resource centres across the Island," he said.
The neural tube later becomes the spine and brain. A neural tube defect occurs when the neural tube does not close properly.
"Since neural tube defects occur 17-30 days after conception, often before a woman is aware that she is pregnant, it is especially important that women receive adequate amounts of folic acid before conception," said Dr. Kathy Bigsby.
Women who have a family history of neural tube defects, have diabetes or are taking anticonvulsants may require varying amounts of folic acid and should consult their doctor about appropriate folic acid supplementation.
Lynda Oulton, Southern Kings Region Community Nutritionist, advised that although it is difficult to get enough folic acid from diet alone to reduce the risk of having a child with a neural tube defect, women are encouraged to eat foods rich in folic acid.
"Foods containing good sources of folic acid include green vegetables, lentils, beans and frozen orange juice. Peas, corn, broccoli, and lima and kidney beans are also particularly good sources of folic acid," she said.