Frågedatum: 1997-10-10
RELIS database 1997; id.nr. 14148, DRUGLINE
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Use of folic acid for prevention of neural tube defects./nAre there, in your country formal guideli



Fråga: Use of folic acid for prevention of neural tube defects. Are there, in your country formal guidelines or campaigns regarding the use of folic acid in the weeks before pregnancy and in the first two months of pregnancy?

Sammanfattning: Folic acid, 400 ug tablets, are available in Sweden as an OTC drug. A formal recommendation of dietary supplementation with folic acid during pregnancy has not yet been made by the National Board of Health and Welfare, while awaiting a report by an expert group. However, the practice to recommend an extra intake of folic acid seems to be widely accepted.

Svar: Folic acid supplementation during pregnancy has been discussed earlier (1,2). In recent years several studies have suggested a relationship between folic acid deficiency and neural tube defects (3-6). The daily recommended doses, in Sweden, of folic acid are 200 ug and during pregnancy 400 ug, respectively. The positive effect of using folic acid during the initial phases of pregnancy have been discussed in the scientific press during the last years. The National Board of Health and Welfare in Sweden sent out an information sheet to all gynecologists and midwifes in the hospital and primary care all over Sweden in May 1996. In summary the information was as follows: Scientists, in Sweden, within the field, are participating in an "Expert group for Dietary, Exercise, and Health questions" organized by the authorities. This group is going to evaluate published documentation and formulate a statement concerning the use of folic acid.

Investigations concerning dietary intake of folic acid in Sweden show that the amount of folic acid per 1000 kcal is about 100 ug. To reach a daily intake of 400 ug folic acid, the diet has to be rich in fruits and vegetables. While awaiting the statement from the expert group, the authorities in Sweden do not formally recommend women who are pregnant or who are planning a pregnancy to supplement the diet with folic acid. However, there does not seem to be any increased risk for the fetus with a 400 ug supplement of folic acid to the diet.

The drug Folsyra (folic acid) 400 ug is available as an OTC drug in bottles of 100 tablets with the cost of 35.00 SEK per 100 tablets.

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