Folic acid awareness among women of reproductive age in Cape Town.

To the Editor: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are relatively common congenital abnormalities. The prevalence in South Africa typically ranges from 1 to 3.5 per 1 000 births. Higher rates, 6.13 per 1 000 live births, have been recorded in rural Transkei. Epidemiological studies have shown that periconceptual dietary supplementation with folic acid can substantially decrease the prevalence of NTD. The Department of Health (DOH) strongly recommends that all women of childbearing age be informed of the benefits of periconceptual folic acid supplementation.