More Birth Defects Seen with Assisted Reproduction Nov 21, 2009
These infants also were more likely to have birth defects involving the gastrointestinal system, the cardiovascular system, or the muscles and skeleton, although their risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida or facial defects such as cleft palate was not increased. When the researchers looked at the assisted reproduction techniques separately, they found that 2. (MEDLINEplus)
Tackling obesity Nov 18, 2009
If you are obese during your pregnancy, the baby is also at risk of developing dangerous health issues including macrosoma (gaining too much weight during development), neural tube defects and obesity in childhood. Text Size. (India Times, India)
* War brings a surge of birth defects in Fallujahs children Nov 15, 2009
She reported 37 cases of serious deformities, many of them neural tube defects [birth defects of the brain and spinal column including spina bifida and anencephaly], with accompanying heart problems ... We are seeing a very significant increase in central nervous system anomalies, especially neural tube defects ... On Nov. 2, there were four cases of neural tube defects in the neonatal ward. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Supplements can raise asthma risk Nov 6, 2009
Current public health guidelines recommend that women consume a supplemental dose of 400 micrograms of folic acid per day in the month preceding and during the first trimester of pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in children. "Our study supports these guidelines, as we found no increased risk of asthma if folic acid supplements were taken in pre or early pregnancy," Davies says. (India Times, India)
Folic Acid Supplements Linked To Asthma, Study Suggests Nov 5, 2009
Current public health guidelines recommend that women consume a supplemental dose of 400 micrograms of folic acid per day in the month preceding and during the first trimester of pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in children. "Our study supports these guidelines, as we found no increased risk of asthma if folic acid supplements were taken in pre or early pregnancy," Associate Professor Davies says. (Science Daily)
UK experts back folic acid in bread Oct 21, 2009
The vitamin is known to prevent neural tube defects in foetuses, but many women do not take it - in part because pregnancies are often unplanned and can go unnoticed for many weeks. As well as cutting the incidence of spina bifida, latest research from Canada also suggests it can reduce the risk of congenital heart problems in babies. (BBC News -- Health)
Increased Risk Of Birth Defects After PCE Exposure Sep 26, 2009
A study of expectant women exposed to PCE in drinking water, published in BioMed Central's open access journal Environmental Health, found an increased risk of oral clefts and neural tube defects in their children ... Prenatal exposure was associated with increases in the risk of oral clefts and neural tube defects (particularly anencephaly). (Science Daily)
Whole-grain pasta noodles getting easier to love Sep 23, 2009
Eating grains fortified with folate before and during pregnancy helps prevent neural tube defects during fetal development. Source. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Folic Acid: Mandatory Fortification May Be Unnecessary Aug 19, 2009
16, 2008) Although folic acid fortification has proven to lower rates of neural tube defects and some childhood cancers, there is a growing body of evidence that too much folic acid may increase one's risk of. . (Science Daily)
Are We What Our Mothers Ate? Jul 23, 2009
Indeed, when Dr. Moley transferred embryos from a diabetic mouse into a non-diabetic mouse shortly after egg implantation, she noted neural tube defects, heart defects, limb deformities and growth defects in offspring. These findings indicate that we may need to re-direct our ideas about maternal health to the time prior to pregnancy, she says. (Science Daily)
Lifestyle could be hurdle to fertility Jul 6, 2009
"A daily supplement of folic acid pre-conceptually and in the first three months of pregnancy has been shown to decrease the risk of neural tube defects by up to 70%. Many women around the world are reportedly unaware of this fact," Homan says. These findings were published in the Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing this month. (India Times, India)
How to feed your baby right, even before birth Jun 29, 2009
If a woman has a lot of excess body fat at the time of conception, there is an increased risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, even when she is consuming the recommended amount of folic acid, a B vitamin associated with a lower risk of these defects. Starting a pregnancy at a healthy weight gives the child a better chance of developing normally. (USA Today -- News)
JIM DOYLE: Effects of Agent Orange carry on Jun 27, 2009
Cleft lip and palate, congenital heart disease, fused digits, hip dysplasia, neural tube defects and undescended testicles -- the list goes on. Who drafted these kids. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
FEATURE - Birth defects in China's Shanxi show human price of coal Jun 23, 2009
Neural tube defects were the most common form of defect found in babies in Shanxi, Pan said, though congenital heart disease, additional fingers and toes, and cleft palettes were also common. FOLIC ACID. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
China to provide free medication to curb birth defects Jun 19, 2009
Neural tube defects are common birth defects, as well as congenital heart disease, cleft lip and hydrocephalus. Of the babies born with defects, only 30 percent can be cured or treated. (Xinhuanet, China)
Studies tout benefits of folic acid Jun 2, 2009
Enough folate in pregnancy's earliest days can prevent devastating birth defects of the spine and brain called neural tube defects, including spina bifida. Those defects have dropped by about a third since the United States mandated fortifying certain breads, cereals, and pastas with folic acid in January 1998. (Boston Globe)
Folic acid in pregnancy better than thought Jun 2, 2009
Enough folate in pregnancy's earliest days can prevent devastating birth defects of the spine and brain called neural tube defects, including spina bifida ... "We've seen in the U.S. and Canada dramatic changes in neural tube defects just with fortification. The question now is would a little more fortification, or even twice as much fortification, impact that bottom line, as well as those other potential benefits," says Dr. Alan Fleischman, medical director of the March of Dimes. (MSNBC -- Health)
New guidelines to fight obesity in pregnancy issued May 29, 2009
Having certain birth defects, especially neural tube defects. Needing special care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Some neural tube defects in mice linked to enzyme deficiency May 26, 2009
New research using mice at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis confirms the importance of another nutrient, inositol, to protect against the development of neural tube defects ... D., found neural tube defects in some mouse embryos from female mice genetically modified to have low levels of ITPK1, an enzyme involved in the metabolism of inositol, a compound important for neural development and function ... In humans, neural tube defects usually occur during the first three to... (EurekAlert!)
Folic acid key for fetal development May 20, 2009
It also helps prevent heart disease, cancer, neural tube defects and some types of anemia ... Adequate levels help prevent neural tube defects, cleft palates and heart and limb defects. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Folic Acid Effecive In Preventing Congenital Heart Defects, Canadian Research Shows May 20, 2009
ScienceDaily (May 19, 2009) The Canadian policy of fortifying grain products with folic acid has already proved to be effective in preventing neural tube defects ... 5, 2005) Recommendations on use of folic acid consumption have had no detectable impact on the incidence of neural tube defects, according to an international study published on. (Science Daily)
Experts Highlight Inroads to Preventing Cancer Apr 28, 2009
Folic acid is recommended before and during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects in babies. Folic acid intake in North America has soared since these recommendations were implemented in 1998. (MEDLINEplus)
Health Benefits, Consequences Of Folic Acid Dependent On Circumstances Apr 6, 2009
5, 2009) For the past several decades, evidence has shown that greater dietary intake of the B-vitamin, folate, offers protection against the development of certain common cancers and reduces neural tube defects in newborns, opening new avenues for public health interventions that have a great impact on health ... 5, 2005) Recommendations on use of folic acid consumption have had no detectable impact on the incidence of neural tube defects, according to an international study published on. (Science Daily)
Link Between Folate Enrichment and Colon Cancer? Apr 4, 2009
Several countries have implemented similar policies in recent years, with the goal of preventing spina bifida and other neural tube defects. In Chile, the rate of neural tube defects decreased by 40 percent in the first year after the start of folic acid fortification. (Newsmax)
What colour are you eating? Mar 25, 2009
Folic acid is needed to prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy, while vitamin K is essential in blood clot formation. Diets high in potassium are associated with lowering blood pressure. (India Times, India)
Folic Acid Supplements Linked To Higher Risk Of Prostate Cancer, Study Shows Mar 19, 2009
While evidence of its ability to reduce neural tube defects in infants while taken by the mother before or during pregnancy has been well documented, its effects on other conditions are unclear ... 16, 2008) Although folic acid fortification has proven to lower rates of neural tube defects and some childhood cancers, there is a growing body of evidence that too much folic acid may increase one's risk of. (Science Daily)
Too much of a good thing? Mar 15, 2009
Professor Julie Owens, head of the school of pediatrics and reproductive health at the University of Adelaide, is calling for more research into the effects of large doses of the B-group vitamin, which is recommended to pregnant women because of its important role in preventing neural tube defects ... Mandatory folic acid fortification programs in the US and Canada have been successful in reducing the rate of neural tube defects in the population ... Professor Owens said: "It's important to... (Sydney Morning Herald)
Unborn at risk from vitamins Mar 13, 2009
Professor Owens said while it was important to take the vitamin folate around the time of conception to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, more work was needed to clarify safe levels. In the meantime pregnant women should stick to the guideline of 600 micrograms of folate a day. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Folic Acid Doubles Risk of Prostate Cancer Mar 12, 2009
While evidence of its ability to reduce neural tube defects in infants while taken by the mother before or during pregnancy has been well documented, its effects on other conditions are unclear. We know that adequate folate levels are important in the prevention of several cancer types, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, says lead author Jane Figueiredo, Ph. (Newsmax)
Study: Folic acid may boost prostate cancer risk Mar 11, 2009
Previous studies showed that folic acid, or folate, a B vitamin found in vegetables, beans, fruits and whole grains, can be used to reduce neural tube defects in infants while taken by the mother before or during pregnancy. "We know that adequate folate levels are important in the prevention of several cancer types, cardiovascular and neurological diseases," said Figueiredo. (Xinhuanet, China)
B12 Deficit May Boost Risk of Birth Defects Mar 4, 2009
5 times the risk of giving birth to a child with these neural tube defects, which can lead to partial paralysis or even death, than women with the highest B12 levels ... Researchers analyzed blood collected during the early pregnancy stages of hundreds of women from Ireland, a country with a high rate of neural tube defects ... The researchers used statistical techniques to focus solely on B12 levels and factor out the role of folic acid, a nutrient known to help prevent pregnant women from... (MEDLINEplus)
Doctors endorse vegan and vegetarian diets for healthy pregnancies Mar 3, 2009
PCRM nutrition experts are available for comment in response to a new Pediatrics study showing that low levels of vitamin B12 may increase the risk for neural tube defects ... The women lived in a region of traditionally high neural tube defects prevalence, suggesting a moderately high genetic predisposition. (EurekAlert!)
Low levels of vitamin B12 may increase risk for neural tube defects Mar 2, 2009
Neural tube defects are a class of birth defects affecting the brain and spinal cord ... In the United States, cereal grains are fortified with folic acid to reduce the occurrence of neural tube defects in the U.S. population ... Ireland has a high rate of neural tube defects, and NIH scientists have frequently collaborated with Irish researchers to gain insight into the causes of this group of disorders. (EurekAlert!)
Scientists discover why teeth form in a single row Feb 27, 2009
g. the inclusion of folic acid in prenatal vitamins prevents neural tube defects in some cases). Cleft lip/palate occurs one in 700 live births. (EurekAlert!)
Health Guidelines Ignored Before Pregnancy Feb 26, 2009
Daily folic acid intake of 400 micrograms is recommended to prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. When pregnant women were interviewed at 11 weeks of gestation, 93 percent reported taking some folic acid and 12 percent reported taking at least 400 micrograms a day over the previous three months. (CBS News)
Obesity During Pregnancy Associated With Increased Risk Of Birth Defects Feb 19, 2009
18, 2009) For women who are obese during pregnancy there is an associated increased risk of certain birth defects, such as spina bifida and neural tube defects, although the absolute increase in risk is likely to be small, according to an analysis of previous studies. See also. (Science Daily)
Fortified Bread Enhances the Goodness of Grains Feb 19, 2009
Enriched white bread is fortified with folic acid which has been proven to reduce the occurrence of neural tube defects. In fact, enriched grains are the primary source of folic acid in Americans' diets and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have been credited with lowering neural tube defects by 34 percent in white, non-Hispanics and 36 percent in Hispanics since folic acid fortification of enriched grains became mandatory ... Since the 1998 mandate, 1,000... (Pekin Times, IL)
Overweight women face tougher pregnancies Feb 18, 2009
A report in the Journal of the American Medical Association said that there is an increased but small risk that babies born to obese women may have certain birth defects such as spina bifida and neural tube defects. "That's correct," Dr. Thomas said, "but on the other hand there are decreased risks for some birth defects such as gastroschisis, abdominal wall defects, which is one of the things that surprised me. ... "It all comes down to relative risk, not absolute risk," he added. "If your risk... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
500 Club: Enjoy a taste of Florida sunshine Feb 15, 2009
Folate, recommended during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects, also helps keep your heart healthy and may even ward off depression. Fiber helps regulate digestion, lowers bad cholesterol and keeps you feeling full longer, which is a powerful aid in managing your weight. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Obese Moms More Likely to Have Babies with Birth Defects Feb 12, 2009
Maternal obesity has also been linked to the development of congenital anomalies, such as neural tube defects, spina bifida, heart defects, cleft lip and palate, and anencephaly (a defect in brain development). Birth defects are a leading cause of still birth and infant mortality, causing as many as one in five infant deaths in the United States, according to background information in the study. (MEDLINEplus)
Vitamins Do Older Women Little Good Feb 11, 2009
Two exceptions are folic acid use in women of childbearing age to prevent neural tube defects in babies, and avoiding beta carotene supplements if you're a smoker. These researchers looked at 161,808 postmenopausal women participating in the government-sponsored Women's Health Initiative who were followed for about eight years. (MEDLINEplus)
Study: multivitamins does not lower cancer risks Feb 11, 2009
But the researchers pointed out there are exceptions that folic acid use in women of childbearing age can prevent neural tube defects in babies, and avoid beta carotene supplements if you're a smoker. "Multivitamins ... are not intended to be magic bullets that will assure the prevention of chronic diseases, like cancer..." Andrew Shao, vice president for scientific and regulatory affairs at the Council for Responsible Nutrition, said. (Xinhuanet, China)
Study establishes link between maternal obesity and birth defects ... Feb 11, 2009
The findings of a maternal obesity study, conducted by the researchers of Newcastle University, establish that obesity in pregnant women increases the chances of serious abnormalities in babies, including spina bifida or other neural tube defects affecting the brain and spinal cord ... Other than spina bifida and neural tube defects, a link has also been established between maternal obesity and other congenital anomalies in babies, like heart defects, cleft lip and palate, and anencephaly - a... (TopNews United States)
