National Journal of Advanced Research

Authors
Rajni Goyal

Abstract
Neural tube defects are birth defects of brain and spinal cord. Supplementation of folic acid helps to reduce the risk of neural tube defects(NTDs).The present review was written to analyze the role of folic acid in the etiology of neural tube defects (NTD’s),epidemiological aspects related to NTD’s and desired levels of folate which prevents NTD’s. This problem occurs in first month of pregnancy and generally women are unaware about their pregnancy at that time. To overcome this problem there is a need to stimulate people especially women to consume foods naturally rich in folate. This review is valuable for adolescent girls, women of child bearing age group and pregnant women.