Folate Status in Women of Chi Id bearing Age,by Race/Ethnicity-United States,1999-2000,2001-2002,and 2003-2004

摘要

In 1992, the Public Health Service recommended that all women of child-bearing age who are capable of becoming pregnant consume 400 ug of folic acid daily to reduce the number of cases of NTDs.2 In 1996, a final rule published by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required the addition of folic acid to a range of enriched cereal-grain products (e.g., bread, rolls, macaroni products, rice, corn meal, corn grits, and farina); the manufacturers' full-compliance date was January 1998.3 In addition to improved dietary habits and folic acid fortification, the Public Health Service also recommended the use of dietary supplements containing folic acid2; however, survey data have not indicated a substantial change in supplement use since the fortification mandate.