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Folic Acid Action (FAA) was formed in response to a recent IPSOS
survey conducted to evaluate the current levels of awareness and
reported behavior related to uptake of folic acid amongst women
of child-bearing age. 3 For many years it has been well documented
that a deficiency in folic acid from 3 months before to 12 weeks
after conception is a major risk factor for neural tube defects.
However, despite good overall awareness of the benefits of folic
acid, the IPSOS survey revealed that many women are not taking supplements
during this critical period.
Since even a healthy diet provides insufficient daily amounts of
folic acid, supplementation is essential for all women who are ovulating
and sexually active, including those on the oral contraceptive pill.
It has also been suggested that folic acid may have wider health
implications amongst the general population, with a possible role
in cardiovascular disease, depression, Alzheimer’s, and colon
cancer.
To begin to address these issues FAA gathered together an expert
panel of healthcare professionals and patient organizations for
a roundtable discussion, which is detailed below. We at FAA would
welcome any feedback or suggestions, please contact the Group administrators
at faa@ashcommunications.com
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