Folic Acid Supplementation for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects: An Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force

This review (24 studies; n=58,860) concludes in studies conducted before food fortification in the US in 1998, folic acid supplementation provided protection against neural tube defects. Postfortification studies have not shown protective effects but have potential for bias.

This systematic review forms the basis of the latest US Preventive Task Force recommendations for folic acid supplementation for the prevention of neural tube defects.

 

Two editorials discuss the systematic review and the USPTF recommendations, highlighting that the current recommendation statement should serve as a catalyst for renewed efforts to develop and deliver folic acid messages that will translate into further reductions in the population prevalence of neural tube defects.