Folic acid intake prior to pregnancy remains low despite warnings

Despite no shortage of warnings, only one in three women take folic acid before pregnancy, a recent study found.

Multiple studies have shown that a folic acid deficiency can result in a range of birth defects, including spina bifida. Even still, previous research revealed that half of the women in United States are not aware of the health benefits of folic acid or that folic acid supplements are recommended before conception.

In the latest study, conducted by researchers at Queen Mary University of London, more than half a million women who attended neonatal screening between 1999 and 2012 were interviewed. The study showed that consumption of folic acid in women before pregnancy dropped from 35 percent in 1999-2000 to 31 percent in 2011-2012.

Women who faced neural tube issues during an earlier pregnancy were more likely to take a folic acid supplement, the researchers found; however, despite the risk of recurrence, even this number was low at just half.

The researchers also found a surge in the intake of folic acid supplements in women after they came to know they were pregnant, with the number of those taking a supplement during their first trimester rising from 45 to 62 percent. However, the best results are achieved if folic acid-enriched items are consumed before pregnancy, the researchers noted.

"Each year in Britain there are about 1,000 pregnancies affected by spina bifida or other birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord. Most of these lead to a termination of pregnancy which is an agonizing decision for couples who want a child," Joan Morris, co-author and professor of medical statistics at Queen Mary, said in a statement.

According to the researchers, the consumption of folic acid in women also varies with ethnicity and age. Only 17 percent of Afro-Caribbean women took folic acid on time, compared to 20 percent of South Asian women and 25 percent of East Asian women. The highest percentage of folic acid consumption (35 percent) was found in Caucasian women.

At just 6 percent, teens were far less likely to take folic acid, compared to 40 percent of women between 35 and 39 years old.