Latest Neural tube defect Stories

But March of Dimes calls for increase in food fortification levelsFolic acid fortification of foods, mandated since 1998 in the United States, continues to help reduce the incidence of severe birth defects such as spina bifida, researchers report.The study, which appears in the September issue of Pediatrics, included a look at the effects of the B vitamin on children born to black and Hispanic women."We wanted to see if all racial and ethnic groups are having decreases, or is it only,...

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., SEPT. 6 "“ Folic acid fortification of grain foods has produced a one-third decline in serious birth defects of the brain and spine, but the March of Dimes urged federal officials to help spare a greater number of babies from these devastating conditions by requiring higher levels of the B vitamin.The March of Dimes restated its longtime position in response to two articles published today in Pediatrics."It's so rare that we get the opportunity to save thousands of...

CHICAGO -- A U.S. government decision to add folic acid to enriched grain products has reduced the incidence of two devastating birth defects but more needs to be done, according to reports published on Tuesday.A review of births in 21 states from 1995, a year before the fortification was authorized, to 2002 found "significant decreases in the prevalence of spina bifida and anencephaly," two neural tube defects that result, respectively, in spine and brain damage, one study said.But...

DUBLIN (Reuters) - Irish scientists said on Monday they have discovered two genes linked to spina bifida that will improve understanding of one of the most common birth defects. Professor John Scott of Trinity College, Dublin told a science conference that the genes known as MTHF and CT677 increase the risk of a woman giving birth to a child with the neural tube defect. "These genes will illustrate genetic risk in a very understandable way," Scott told a science conference. Neural tube...

But even researchers say connection is probably a flukeHealthDayNews -- A British study has found a possible link between taking folic acid supplements late in pregnancy and an increased incidence of breast cancer decades later. But the researchers themselves state that the finding should be viewed with considerable caution."It is quite possible that this is a chance finding," said Dr. Andy R. Ness, a senior lecturer in epidemiology at the University of Bristol, and lead author of...