Folic acid supplementation - When and now

The periconceptional intake of 400 mu g of folic acid can prevent 50-70% of neural tube defects. It is difficult to achieve this intake with diet alone, even with the recently approved levels for grain-food fortification. Therefore, a daily multivitamin with folic acid is recommended for all women of childbearing potential. Obstetrician-gynecologists should exercise every opportunity to educate their patients to this end. Although raised as a concern, the potential of masking the megaloblastic anemia of pernicious anemia is unlikely with these levels of supplementation, and considering the rarity of the disease in women of reproductive age.