TIn the US, one in 1000 births is affected by neural tube [4] defects (NTD). A neural tube [4] defect is a birth defect involving the malformation of body features associated with the brain and spinal cord. An NTD originates from and is characterized by incomplete closure of the neural tube [4], which is an organizer [5] and precursor of the central nervous system [6]. In humans [7], incomplete...

TIn the US, one in 1000 births is affected by neural tube [4] defects (NTD). A neural tube [4] defect is a birth defect involving the malformation of body features associated with the brain and spinal cord. An NTD originates from and is characterized by incomplete closure of the neural tube [4], which is an organizer [5] and precursor of the central nervous system [6]. In humans [7], incomplete...

Many neural tube defects can be prevented if women take folic acid around the time of conception. However, the majority of women do not take folic acid at the critical time, so the US government required that food be fortified with folic acid effective January 1, 1998. Whether the amount being added was sufficient to prevent all folate-related neural tube defects has been hotly debated. Mosley ...

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to compare the economic costs and benefits of fortifying grain with folic acid to prevent neural tube defects. METHODS A cost-benefit analysis based on the US population, using the human capital approach to estimate the costs associated with preventable neural tube defects, was conducted. RESULTS Under a range of assumptions about discount rates, bas...

The neural tube defects anencephaly and spina bifida are important causes of infant mortality and morbidity. Recent studies suggest that many of these defects can be prevented by the periconceptional use of folic acid. At the same time, we do not know what causes most cases of neural tube defects and there is evidence to suggest that they are etiologically heterogeneous. Additional research nee...