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What is the Connection Between Folic Acid and Spina Bifida?

H. Colledge
H. Colledge

Spina bifida is a condition in which the spine fails to develop properly. There is a range of possible results, from a small hole in the backbone that is hidden under the skin and causes no symptoms, to a large gap in the bones and skin, leaving the nerve tissue of the spinal cord exposed outside the body. Spina bifida is one of a group of conditions known as neural tube defects. A connection between folic acid and spina bifida exists because taking folic acid during pregnancy has been shown to help prevent neural tube defects from occurring.

In the US, a policy of adding folic acid, also called vitamin B9, to foods has reduced the number of cases of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, by around one fifth. Studies into the relationship between folic acid and spina bifida have shown that up to 70 percent of cases of spina bifida could be prevented by taking enough folic acid both before and during the early stages of pregnancy. Spina bifida is more likely to occur in babies of women who have the condition themselves or who have had a previous pregnancy resulting in a child with either spina bifida or another neural tube defect.

Legumes contain folic acid.
Legumes contain folic acid.

The critical phase of pregnancy during which spina bifida may develop is thought to lie between day 17 and day 30. In many cases, a woman may not be aware that she is pregnant at such an early stage. For this reason, some authorities recommend that all women should take folic acid supplements when they are planning to become pregnant. Research into folic acid and spina bifida has revealed that spina bifida may not always arise solely from a folic acid deficiency in the mother. It is thought that some people with spina bifida may have a genetic problem that means they are unable to make use of folic acid in the normal way.

There is a critical phase during pregnancy during which spina bifida may develop.
There is a critical phase during pregnancy during which spina bifida may develop.

Even though knowledge concerning the connection between folic acid and spina bifida has led to a fall in the number of babies being born with the condition, around one baby in every 1,000 has spina bifida. Surgery may be needed to treat problems with leg paralysis, bladder and bowel function, and excess fluid in the brain. Advances in surgery have meant that it is possible to correct some defects while the baby is in the womb. The outlook for most people with spina bifida is that they will survive to become adults and have a reasonable quality of life.

Discussion Comments

turquoise

@fify-- I don't think husbands have to take it. But if there is someone with spina bifida in the family, even third degree relatives should take folic acid.

SarahGen

There is definitely a connection between folic acid and spina bifida. But this doesn't mean that taking folic acid is a guarantee that the baby will not have this condition.

Like the article said, there are genetic factors involved. A woman who takes folic acid during pregnancy may have a child with spina bifida. Similarly, a woman who doesn't take folic acid during pregnancy may give birth to a perfectly healthy child.

fify

My very close friend is planning to get pregnant and she has started taking folic acid daily, especially because there are people with spina bifida in her family. The interesting bit is that her doctor said that her husband should take folic acid as well.

I know that when a mother takes folic acid, the chances of the baby developing spina bifida is less. But does the same apply to the father?

When I get married, should my husband also take folic acid?

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    • Legumes contain folic acid.
      By: Stefano Neri
      Legumes contain folic acid.
    • There is a critical phase during pregnancy during which spina bifida may develop.
      By: Syda Productions
      There is a critical phase during pregnancy during which spina bifida may develop.