USPSTF Recommends Folic Acid Supplements for Women of Child-Bearing Age

By Laurie Barclay, MD

May 12, 2009 — New observational evidence supports previous evidence from a randomized controlled trial that folic acid–containing supplements lower the risk for pregnancies affected by neural tube defects, according to a US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) statement and review of evidence reported in the May 5 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. The review suggests that the previously noted association of folic acid use with twin gestation may be confounded by fertility interventions.

Based on the evidence, the USPSTF has issued a grade A recommendation that all women planning or capable of pregnancy take a daily supplement containing 0.4 to 0.8 mg (400 - 800 µg) of folic acid.

Regarding benefits of this preventive measure, the USPSTF found convincing evidence that taking supplements containing 0.4 to 0.8 mg (400 - 800 µg) of folic acid during the periconceptional period lowers the risk for neural tube defects....

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