The Value of Folic Acid Supplements in Pregnancy

Summary In a double‐blind trial of folic acid supplements (5 mg. per day) during pregnancy‐no effects were seen in the incidence of anaemia or complications of pregnancy, although the serum folate levels were less abnormal in the treated group. Nor was evidence found that anaemia or serum folate levels determined the incidence of complications and the outcome of pregnancy. No justification for giving routine folate supplements to this population of patients was apparent.