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In the US in 2003, 1,000 fewer babies were born with a serious birth defect of the brain and spine because of the B-vitamin folic acid.       

Folic acid is found in most enriched foods and multivitamins.  Taking folic acid decreases the risk for neural tube defects or severe birth defects of a baby's brain (anencephaly) or spine (spina bifida).  In fact, up to 70 percent of these serious birth defects could be prevented if all women took folic acid daily before and during pregnancy.

Neural tube defects are costly and can result in lifelong disabilities and death.  The cost of caring for a single child with spina bifida can exceed $1 million.  Since about 50 percent of pregnancies are unplanned, folic acid education can help women of child-bearing age understand the benefits of taking a daily multivitamin to avoid these birth defects.

All states integrate folic acid information into programs such as WIC or family planning programs that provide services to pregnant women, and most conduct various forms of educational outreach.  The map on this postcard highlights some other activities reported by states.  Other national organizations and federal agencies also contribute to education efforts.

The more than 80 members of the National Council on Folic Acid work to promote the benefits and consumption of folic acid (www.folicacidinfo.org)

The Food and Drug Administration required fortification of grain products with folic acid, resulting in an estimated savings of $145 million and a 26 percent decline in preventable birth defects.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides free folic acid education materials for states and others.

For more information about folic acid and preventing birth defects, please visit: www.cdc.gov/folicacid.