FOLIC ACID NUTRITION AND PREVENTION OF BIRTH DEFECTS

Folic Acid Good for You and Your Baby

Good Nutrition is Very Important Before and During Pregnancy

Spina Bifida

NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS

Spina Bifida or "Open Spine." Incomplete development of a baby's spine

Encephalocele: Incomplete closing of the skull, with a varying amount of brain protruding from the skull.

Anencephaly:A fatal defect. Incomplete growth of a baby's brain.

Certain Tests May Be Used to Help Detect Neural Tube Defects

Why Folic Acid is So Important

NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS RISK FACTORSMother's HealthPregnancy HistoryEthnic BackgroundOther/Unknown

Kimber's first school picture

http://kimber.cjscreations.com/Kimber's Spina Bifida Site

Consumption of the B Vitamin Folic Acid for the Prevention of Birth Defects

Foods That are Either Good Sources of Natural Folate or

Which Contain Synthetic Folic Acid

Making a Few Simple Choices About What You Eat Can Do a Lot to Improve

the Quality of Your Diet

Grain Products with Folic Acid

Look for Foods Labeled "High in Folate or Folic Acid"

FOLATE COOKING AND STORAGE TIPS

Do not over cook vegetables

Steam, microwave, or stir-fry vegetables

Refrigerate produce, but use as soon as possible.

Contraindications For Seniors

Lowered Folate Use in Body

Prescribed Drugs Over the Counter Drugs Health Conditions Smoking Alcohol Abuse

Preconceptional Use of Folic Acid for Reduction of the Risk of Birth Defects

Folic Acid Has Health Benefits For us Throughout Our Lives

For Additional Information About Folic Acid

www.modimes or 1-888-MODIMES (663-4637) www.cdc.gov