The use of folic acid, a dietary supplement that can prevent neural tube birth defects, among Hispanic women of childbearing age in California declined between 2002 and 2006, compared with gradual increases in consumption among other groups, according to a study published Friday in CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the Los Angeles Times reports.
According to the study, from 2002 to 2006, the percentage of Hispanic women taking daily supplements with folic acid declined slightly from 32.8% to 30.2% despite a 10-year public health effort that has increased consumption among black, white and Asian women.
Vitamin B9
Vital info about vitamin B9, its molecular structure, dietary sources, beneficial aspects, symptoms of deficiency and toxicity, supplementation tips and related research news are discussed in detail
Advertisement
Overall, in 2006, 50.6% of white women, 39.5% of black women and 40% of Asian women or women of other races used daily folic acid supplements, the study found.
Experts suggested that lower rates of folic acid consumption among Hispanic women may be because they receive less health counseling, have lower education levels and delay prenatal care.
![Structural Defects - Neural Tube Defects (NTD)]( "Structural Defects - Neural Tube Defects (NTD)")
NTDs arise when the neural tube does not close completely by the 29th day after conception.
Cultural differences also might contribute to fewer Hispanic women consuming folic acid, according to Michelle Bholat, a Hispanic family physician at University of California-Los Angeles.
State health officials are concerned that the low rates of folic acid consumption by Hispanic women could lead to an increase in the state's overall birth defect rate because more than 50% of infants born in the state are to Hispanic women.
Previous studies have indicated that Hispanic women in the state already have nearly doubled the neural tube birth defects compared to white women.
Source: Kaiser Family Foundation
LIN/S
Structural Defects - Neural Tube Defects (NTD)
NTDs arise when the neural tube does not close completely by the 29th day after conception.
Advertisement
Cultural differences also might contribute to fewer Hispanic women consuming folic acid, according to Michelle Bholat, a Hispanic family physician at University of California-Los Angeles.
State health officials are concerned that the low rates of folic acid consumption by Hispanic women could lead to an increase in the state's overall birth defect rate because more than 50% of infants born in the state are to Hispanic women.
Previous studies have indicated that Hispanic women in the state already have nearly doubled the neural tube birth defects compared to white women.
Source: Kaiser Family Foundation
LIN/S
Women of Child-Bearing Age Urged to Take a Multivitamin With Folic Acid
Prospective parents can take positive lifestyle steps to increase the chance that their babies will be born with a healthy heart says AHA
Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Reading
Latest Diet & Nutrition News
By adopting clean eating and incorporating fresh foods, individuals can protect themselves against potential health issues, posed by today's fast-paced society.
Sucralose-6-acetate commonly found in sweeteners is tagged as genotoxic. The chemical was found to damage the DNA in cells.
Experts believe it is unlikely that information about the health benefits of whole grains alone can boost whole grain consumption to the recommended level.
When comparing plant-based and dairy yogurts, almond milk yogurt was identified as the nutritionally superior option.
Health supplements offer no benefits and are merely profit-driven schemes by drug companies, says a leading UK scientist.