Irish Wedding News
15/06/2016
A recent study by the Northern Ireland Centre for Food & Health (NICHE), University of Ulster, found that less than one in five women in NI have taken a folic acid supplement daily before they become pregnant, even though it is the best way to reduce the risk of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) among newborns.
Additional research has found that the region currently has one of the highest incidences of NTDs, which includes conditions such as spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
A new campaign by safefood – Babies Know The Facts About Folic – is now encouraging women to take folic acid daily, whether they plan to start a family or not.
Health Minister Michelle O'Neill welcomed the campaign, saying: "Fewer than one in five local women of childbearing age take folic acid on a daily basis. We have one of the highest incidences of neural tube defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly, so this is a serious issue.
"For any woman who might become pregnant – not just those who are trying for a baby – taking folic acid should be part of her daily routine in order to reduce the risk of her baby having a neural tube defect."
Dr Cliodhna Foley-Nolan, Director of Human Health & Nutrition, safefood, added: "For a healthy mum and baby, the only way to get adequate levels of folic acid is by taking it every day as a 400 microgram supplement and making that a daily habit.
"While there has been some recent debate about fortification of foods with folic acid, this is still some way off and even with fortified foods, taking the daily supplement provides the best protection of the unborn baby's sine and brain.
"Folic acid is widely available, doesn't require a prescription and doesn't cost more than a couple of pence per day. By taking folic acid daily, women are taking control of their own health.
"Taking folic acid doesn't mean you are planning a baby, but it does mean that when you do have a baby, however unplanned or far in the future that may be, you are already helping to protect their health."
Cathy McKillop is Northern Ireland Director of SHINE, a local charity which provides support and guidance to families and children with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. She said: "Our message is very simple: we want to encourage women to take one daily supplement of folic acid.
"Whether you're thinking about having a baby or not, we wholeheartedly encourage women to start taking folic acid every day. It's such a small thing which can make a big difference.
"We would also encourage higher risk women who have gone through previous NTD pregnancies, suffer from diabetes or who might be overweight or obese to consult their local GP as they might need a higher dose of folic acid."
(JP)
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Women Urged To Take Folic Acid
A new campaign has been launched in Northern Ireland to encourage women to take daily folic acid supplements, whether they are planning to become pregnant or not.A recent study by the Northern Ireland Centre for Food & Health (NICHE), University of Ulster, found that less than one in five women in NI have taken a folic acid supplement daily before they become pregnant, even though it is the best way to reduce the risk of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) among newborns.
Additional research has found that the region currently has one of the highest incidences of NTDs, which includes conditions such as spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
A new campaign by safefood – Babies Know The Facts About Folic – is now encouraging women to take folic acid daily, whether they plan to start a family or not.
Health Minister Michelle O'Neill welcomed the campaign, saying: "Fewer than one in five local women of childbearing age take folic acid on a daily basis. We have one of the highest incidences of neural tube defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly, so this is a serious issue.
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"For any woman who might become pregnant – not just those who are trying for a baby – taking folic acid should be part of her daily routine in order to reduce the risk of her baby having a neural tube defect."
Dr Cliodhna Foley-Nolan, Director of Human Health & Nutrition, safefood, added: "For a healthy mum and baby, the only way to get adequate levels of folic acid is by taking it every day as a 400 microgram supplement and making that a daily habit.
"While there has been some recent debate about fortification of foods with folic acid, this is still some way off and even with fortified foods, taking the daily supplement provides the best protection of the unborn baby's sine and brain.
"Folic acid is widely available, doesn't require a prescription and doesn't cost more than a couple of pence per day. By taking folic acid daily, women are taking control of their own health.
"Taking folic acid doesn't mean you are planning a baby, but it does mean that when you do have a baby, however unplanned or far in the future that may be, you are already helping to protect their health."
Cathy McKillop is Northern Ireland Director of SHINE, a local charity which provides support and guidance to families and children with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. She said: "Our message is very simple: we want to encourage women to take one daily supplement of folic acid.
"Whether you're thinking about having a baby or not, we wholeheartedly encourage women to start taking folic acid every day. It's such a small thing which can make a big difference.
"We would also encourage higher risk women who have gone through previous NTD pregnancies, suffer from diabetes or who might be overweight or obese to consult their local GP as they might need a higher dose of folic acid."
(JP)
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