Folic Acid Supplementation to Prevent Neural Tube Defects: US Preventive Services Task Force Reaffirmation Recommendation Statement

JAMA. 2023 Aug 1;330(5):454-459. doi: 10.1001/jama.2023.12876.

Abstract

Importance: Neural tube defects are among the most common congenital malformations in the US, with an estimated 3000 pregnancies affected each year. Many of these neural tube defects are caused by low folate levels in the body.

Objective: The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a reaffirmation evidence update on the benefits and harms of folic acid supplementation.

Population: Persons who are planning to or could become pregnant.

Evidence assessment: The USPSTF concludes that, for persons who are planning to or could become pregnant, there is high certainty that folic acid supplementation has a substantial net benefit to prevent neural tube defects in their offspring.

Recommendation: The USPSTF recommends that all persons planning to or who could become pregnant take a daily supplement containing 0.4 to 0.8 mg (400 to 800 μg) of folic acid. (A recommendation).

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Advisory Committees
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Female
  • Folic Acid Deficiency* / complications
  • Folic Acid Deficiency* / diagnosis
  • Folic Acid Deficiency* / drug therapy
  • Folic Acid* / administration & dosage
  • Folic Acid* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening
  • Neural Tube Defects* / etiology
  • Neural Tube Defects* / prevention & control
  • Preconception Care / standards
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications* / etiology
  • Pregnancy Complications* / prevention & control
  • Preventive Health Services

Substances

  • Folic Acid