A Study by U.S. government finds blood levels of folate in young women of childbearing age have declined since the late 1990s, despite public health efforts, which is a disturbing development that may increase birth defects.
The study is being published this week in a CDC publication, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.Though the health officials could only speculate the reason for this decline, the possible reason, they feel could be due to the theories ranging from low-carb diets to popularity - of unfortified wholegrain breads to obesity.
Dr. Nancy Green, medical director for the March of Dimes, said: "This is a cause of substantial concern." March of Dimes campaigns for birth defects prevention.
What the health officials recommend: – Women, especially those, who are in the childbearing age should take daily vitamins with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid (Folate supplement) an artificial version, which is more easily metabolized by the body. Folate, a vitamin that is very essential for our body functioning, is found in oranges, legumes, leafy green vegetables and folic acid supplements.
Source-Medindia
SRI
