Increased intake of folic acid vital for expectant mothers

27/11/96

A simple vitamin supplement taken daily could more than halve the incidence of neural tube defects in Western Australia, Health Minister Kevin Prince said today.

"There is now strong evidence that an increased intake of folic acid by the mother at least one month before conception and in early pregnancy can prevent more than 70 per cent of neural tube defects," Mr Prince said.

The Minister today launched the Health Department's Folic Acid Campaign, which advises women planning a pregnancy or likely to become pregnant to take a folic acid supplement to reduce the chance of their child having a neural tube defect.

Neural tube defects - including spina bifida, anencephaly and encephalocoele - result from problems with the development of the spinal cord, spine, brain, and or skull of an unborn baby.

"About 50 children are born each year in this State with such a defect and of those, almost three quarters are stillborn or die within the first few months of life," Mr Prince said.

"The effects on surviving children range from restricted movement to severe disabilities.

"But whatever their disabilities, everyone would agree they are very special children and we are glad they are part of our society."

The Health Department has recommended all women planning a pregnancy should take a folic acid supplement every day at least one month before conception and in the first three months of pregnancy.

"Through the Institute for Child Health Research in WA, Perth is considered a world leader in researching the link between folic acid and normal foetal development," Mr Prince said.

"Although the folic acid pill is not a 100 per cent guarantee against neural tube defects, research shows it will reduce the risk."

Mr Prince said women with a family history of neural tube defects may be at higher risk and should consult their doctor and take a higher dosage of folic acid over the same period.

The Folic Acid Campaign will feature radio commercials, posters and brochures and will urge health professionals including doctors, nurses, dieticians and pharmacists to pass the information on to their clients.

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 366 0300