 News
1st February 2006
Simple measures 'can reduce birth defects'
A healthy balanced diet and the use of folic acid supplements
could reduce the worldwide incidence of birth defects by 70 per cent according
to a new study.
The March of Dimes health agency conducted the first comprehensive global
analysis of serious genetic birth defects and found around 6 per cent
of babies are born with a serious genetic, or partial genetic defect.
The new research is based on data from 193 countries.
The report found the overwhelming majority of babies with birth defects
are born to women in poor, or middle-income countries.
Professor Bernadette Modell of the Royal Free and University College
Medical School said the incidence of birth defects were highest in the
north and east and lowest in France, Italy and Spain.
"The Mediterranean diet doesn't just prevent heart disease - it
seems to have an effect on birth defects too," she said.
"It is probably the effect of folic acid, but it is quite possible
there are multiple vitamin effects."
The researchers, led by Dr Arnold Christianson, of the University of
the Witwatersrand in South Africa, said almost 250,000 babies are born
with inherited birth defects each year in Europe, but the toll could be
reduced if their mothers ate more fruit and vegetables as in Mediterranean
countries.
The commonest inherited birth defects are congenital heart problems and
neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
Professor Modell said boosting folic acid levels in pregnant women was
the single most important element to prevent defects.
In the UK, pregnant women are prescribed folic acid supplements, but
only half take them.
"Fortifying flour with folic acid globally should be a priority," Professor
Modell said. "They have done it in North America and they are seeing a
fall in defects."
Dr Jennifer Howse, president of the March of Dimes, said, "Our report
identifies for the first time the severe, and previously hidden global
toll of birth defects.
"This is a serious, vastly unappreciated and under-funded public health
problem."
Dr Christianson said, "The toll of birth defects has really been
largely underappreciated over the years, and as a result has not really
been included in efforts to improve child health and survival.
"There is an awful lot that even the poorest countries can do to try
to prevent birth defects and the time has come for them to start implementing
these measures."
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