Folic Acid to Prevent Neural Tube Defects

May 2009

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This topic page summarizes the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on folic acid supplementation to prevent neural tube defects.

Summary of Recommendations / Supporting Documents

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Summary of Recommendations

• The USPSTF recommends that all women planning or capable of pregnancy take a daily supplement containing 0.4 to 0.8 mg (400 to 800 µg) of folic acid.
  Grade: A recommendation.

Top of Page

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Supporting Documents

Folic Acid to Prevent Neural Tube Defects, May 2009
Recommendation Statement (PDF File, 215 KB; PDF Help)
Supporting Article (PDF File, 162 KB; PDF Help)
Evidence Synthesis (PDF File, 315 KB; PDF Help)
Clinical Summary (PDF File, 85 KB; PDF Help)

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Internet Citation:

Folic Acid to Prevent Neural Tube Defects, Topic Page. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsnrfol.htm

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