[Folic acid in the prevention of neural tube defects].

Neural tube defects (spina bifida) imply a severe limitation of quality of life. 70 to 100% of these defects are preventable by additional intake of folic acid during the periconceptional period. In accordance with the recommendations of Anglo-Saxon and other authorities prevention of this grave malformation should be attempted not only after a first-affected child, but primarily in a general manner in Switzerland, too. All women of childbearing age not under contraceptives should be advised to consume a diet rich in folic acid and to take an additional daily dose of 0.4 mg folic acid as a monosubstance or with a multivitamin preparation. A supplement of folic acid to cereal grain products, mainly bread flours, is recommended. A generally elevated folic acid intake may have further beneficial effects, such as risk reduction for the occurrence of carcinoma and atherosclerosis.