Drug and Environmental Factors Associated with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Part II: Improvement with Folic Acid

Abstract

Women of childbearing age should take a daily folic acid supplement to reduce the risk of pregnancies resulting in infants with a neural tube defect and other potential adverse pregnancy outcomes. Further health benefits from folic acid supplementation are reviewed in Part III of this series.

Progress in the Understanding of the Genetic Etiology of Vertebral Segmentation Disorders in Humans

“…The similarities between spinal cord anomalies in humans and neural tube defects in mice with congenital scoliosis (CS) described in the preceding sections promote the premise that similar etiological mechanisms may be involved in the emergence of these malformations. Folic acid use has been associated with the prevention of neural tube defects 74 . Further studies are required to determine the possible effects antenatal folic acid use may have on prevention of the development of CVM.…”

Critical Periods of Vulnerability for the Developing Nervous System: Evidence from Humans and Animal Models

“…It has recently been established that an increased intake of folic acid during early gestation or prenatally decreases the prevalence of neural tube defects in offspring (13). Increased risk for spina bifida may depend on the mother and/or fetus being homozygous for specific forms of enzymes involved in folate metabolism (14).…”

Congenital and Idiopathic Scoliosis: Clinical and Genetic Aspects

“…Folic acid use has been associated with the prevention of neural tube defects. 109 Further studies need to be performed to determine the possible effects antenatal folic acid use may have on the development of congenital vertebral malformations.…”