What question did this study set out to answer?

To synthesize updated evidence on the benefits and harms of folic acid supplementation in women of childbearing age for preventing neural tube defects in offspring.

May 5, 2009Annals of Internal Medicine

Folic Acid Supplementation for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects: An Update of the Evidence for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

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Authors

TWTracy WolffUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Implication

Systematic review demonstrates reduced risk of neural tube defects with folic acid supplementation in women of childbearing age, highlighting the protective benefit of preconception intake.

Key Points

To synthesize updated evidence on the benefits and harms of folic acid supplementation in women of childbearing age for preventing neural tube defects in offspring.
Searched MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from January 1995 through December 2008 along with reference lists and systematic reviews.
Identified English-language randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and systematic reviews reporting on folic acid supplementation benefits and harms.
Abstracted study data and evaluated study quality according to predefined USPSTF criteria.
Four observational studies reported a consistent risk reduction for neural tube defects with folic acid-containing supplements, though heterogeneity prevented calculation of a pooled effect size.
One study assessing potential harms found that an observed association between folic acid use and twin gestation was eliminated after adjusting for in vitro fertilization and underreporting.

Cite This Study

Tracy Wolff (2009) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a824899aedbb2834ec6a9b3 https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-150-9-200905050-00010

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Implication

Systematic review demonstrates reduced risk of neural tube defects with folic acid supplementation in women of childbearing age, highlighting the protective benefit of preconception intake.

Folic Acid Supplementation for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects: An Update of the Evidence for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Folic Acid Supplementation for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects: An Update of the Evidence for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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