Health professionals play the most important role in ensuring that women know how to take care of themselves and their babies. By telling patients and co-workers about folic acid and encouraging them to take either a multi-vitamin or a folic acid supplement you are helping to prevent birth defects.The CDC estimates that between 50 and 70 percent of neural tube birth defects could be prevented if women consumed 400 mcg of folic acid from a supplement, in addition to eating a healthy balanced diet.

Louisiana PRAMS data demonstrates that the awareness of folic acid is ten percent lower among Louisiana women than it is among women nationwide. It is imperative that Louisiana women learn about folic acid and then begin to take supplements. Folic acid can only work if women are taking it. 2004 Gallup poll data shows that 37 percent of women surveyed are taking a multi-vitamin containing folic acid. Only 10 percent of these women are aware that folic acid should be taken before pregnancy .

For more information, data, or educational resources for yourself or your patients please contact us. We are happy to work with you in spreading the folic acid message.

Louisiana Folic Acid Council | 325 Loyola Ave. , Rm. 612 | New Orleans , LA 70112 | Tel: 504.568.8154 | Fax: 504.568.8162