Folic Acid Deficiency Still High in India – Pre-Conception Intake Can Prevent 70% Spina Bifida Cases

More than 30 years after India launched folic acid fortification and awareness drives, deficiency is still widespread among women of reproductive age. ICMR and WHO studies estimate 40–60% of Indian women have low folate levels, leading to preventable birth defects.

Neural tube defects (NTDs) like spina bifida and anencephaly affect thousands of newborns annually. The good news: 400–800 mcg of folic acid daily, started at least 1 month before conception and continued through the first 12 weeks, can prevent up to 70% of these cases.

Why Folic Acid Matters in Early Pregnancy

The neural tube (which forms the brain & spinal cord) closes by day 28 of pregnancy — often before a woman knows she’s pregnant. Low folate at this critical window increases NTD risk 10–20 times.

Common Indian diet gaps (low green leafy veggies, dal, fortified grains) + poor absorption during pregnancy = high risk even in middle-class families.

Who Needs Extra Folic Acid?

• All women planning pregnancy (ideally 3 months before)
• Women with previous NTD-affected pregnancy (higher dose: 4–5 mg)
• Those with diabetes, obesity, epilepsy meds, or MTHFR gene variation
• Vegetarians/vegans (lower natural folate sources)

Most multivitamins & prenatal supplements already contain 400–800 mcg.

Simple Prevention Steps

1. Start 400 mcg folic acid daily if planning a baby (tablet or fortified food)
2. Eat folate-rich foods: palak, methi, chana dal, oranges, sprouts
3. Avoid excessive tea/coffee (reduces absorption)
4. Get tested if high-risk (serum folate or RBC folate blood test)
5. Government programs offer free folic acid in many PHCs & anganwadis

Real Impact in India

States with strong awareness (Tamil Nadu, Kerala) have seen NTD rates drop 50–60%. Yet rural & urban poor areas lag — simple supplementation could save thousands of families from lifelong challenges.

Doctors urge: “Don’t wait for pregnancy confirmation — start folic acid when you decide to try for a baby.”

TrendPulse will keep sharing doctor-backed pregnancy & nutrition tips.

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