SafeFood launch campaign to increase women's intake of folic acid
One in ten Irish women think they get enough folic acid from their diet, according to SafeFood.
A campaign is being launched today to remind women that folic acid contained in food will not protect their unborn baby from developing serious medical problems.
It is understood that some women confuse recommendations to take the supplement with food marketing.
SafeFood is launching a new initiative today aimed at increasing women's intake of folic acid.
The campaign is remindning all women who are sexually active and who could become pregnant of the need to take folic acid daily, irrespective of whether they are planning a pregnancy or not.
The campaign 'Babies Know the Facts About Folic' has been developed to encourage women to take folic acid supplements and help address Ireland’s high incidence rate of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) like Spina Bifida among newborn babies.
Professor Michael Turner, UCD Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, said: "We know from recently published Irish research that three out of four women who attend for antenatal care have not taken folic acid supplements before they become pregnant.
"Taking folic acid daily as a supplement could potentially prevent two thirds of Neural Tube Defects every year – on average, that’s approximately 50 fewer babies affected every year."
Dr Rhona Mahony, Master, National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street said: "We know that women are somewhat aware of folic acid but with up to 50% of all pregnancies being unplanned, it’s so important that all women who are sexually active start taking the vitamin daily, even if a baby is the last thing on their mind.
"That’s because a baby’s neural tube develops in the first few weeks of pregnancy when many women may be unaware they are pregnant."
