All women who are capable of getting pregnant should take a daily supplement containing 400-800 micrograms of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects in early pregnancy, according to a draft recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
The grade A draft recommendation, issued May 10, reaffirms the Task Force’s 2009 recommendation on folic acid supplementation in women of childbearing age.
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The critical period for supplementation occurs 1 month before conception and continues through the first 2-3 months of pregnancy, according to the draft recommendation. Although folic acid is found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, and many cereals and breads are fortified with folic acid, most women still fall short of the daily recommended dose of 400 micrograms of folic acid.
In the evidence review, the USPSTF evaluated one randomized controlled trial, two cohort studies, and eight case-control studies for evidence of effectiveness of folic acid supplementation. The Task Force found no substantial new evidence on benefits and harms from folic acid supplementation to change its 2009 recommendation.
“The USPSTF concludes with high certainty that the net benefit of daily folic acid supplementation to prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus is substantial for women who are planning or capable of pregnancy,” the statement noted.
The draft recommendation is open for public comment on the USPSTF website until June 6.