Spina bifida – Easy remedy must be put into effect

A simple remedy which can considerably reduce the occurrence of a major congenital condition and has been proven to have done so in other countries should not meet any resistance at governmental level here.

The condition is spina bifida and the remedy is to fortify bread with folic acid, which can reduce the incidence by 70%, a fact which has been established in six other countries, including the US and Canada.

Obviously, the beneficial effects of taking folic acid before conception and into the third month of pregnancy are already accepted. In any case, it is present naturally in produce such as orange juice, leafy green vegetables and fortified grains and cereals.