Trends in Neural Tube Defects in Australia

In response to mounting evidence from observational studies and randomised trials of the benefits of periconceptional folic acid in reducing the risk of neural tube defects, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommended that women planning a pregnancy or likely to become pregnant should be offered advice about dietary folate and periconceptional folic acid supplementation. Subsequently an NHMRC Expert Panel on Folate Fortification recommended voluntary folate fortification of foods.