Daijiworld Media Network – Tokyo

Tokyo, Sep 10: Women with a background in Food and Nutrition, awareness of neural tube defects (NTDs), and access to folic acid information are more likely to intend to take folic acid supplements before pregnancy, a recent study published in Cureus reveals.

The study highlights the critical role of folic acid in cell growth and its proven ability to reduce the risk of NTDs, congenital malformations caused by improper neural tube closure. Despite recommendations for over 20 years, awareness among women—especially those who have never been pregnant—remains insufficient.

Researchers surveyed 47 graduates from Wakayama Shin-Ai Women’s Junior College, analyzing factors linked to pre-pregnancy folic acid supplementation. Findings revealed that 51% of respondents intended to take folic acid. Women with a Food and Nutrition major were over 17 times more likely to plan supplementation. Awareness of NTDs and access to folic acid-related information also showed strong associations, along with educational exposure during junior college.

Investigators noted limitations due to the small sample size and emphasized the need for larger, prospective studies to validate the findings.