16th June 2003
CLEFT LIP AND PALATE RISK REDUCED BY FOLIC ACID
Extra folic acid could help cut the risk of cleft lip and palate, researchers have discovered.
A study funded by the charity Action Research, and published in the Journal of Medical Genetics, found that mums with a family history of cleft lip and palate could benefit from taking extra folic acid during pregnancy. Cleft lip and palate is a common birth malformation, affecting about one in every 1,000 babies born in the UK, and it occurs during the early weeks of pregnancy when the bones in the face and mouth don't join together properly.
There's already known to be a strong genetic link with the condition, as babies with older siblings born with the condition have a 30 - 40 times increased risk of also developing it. The scientists involved in the new research have now discovered that women's genes may be involved too. They found that women with a change in the Methylenetrahydofolate Reductase (MTHFR) gene, which is vital for regulating folic acid, appeared to be more at risk of having a baby with cleft lip and palate.
Lead researcher, Professor Winter, from London's Institute of Child Health, said, "Our research has shown that there may be a susceptible group of women where taking additional folic acid early in pregnancy may lower the risk of having a child with cleft lip and palate. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings, but our results are very encouraging."
The study was welcomed by the Cleft Lip and Palate Association. A spokesperson said, "We hope there will now be clearer guidelines on which groups will benefit from taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy."
Where to next?- Fancy a chat? Visit our Your Shout discussion forum
- Read about folic acid and choosing a supplement
- Find out more about cleft lip and palate
- Got a question? Why not ask our experts
- Chat on the Special needs board
- Visit the Cleft Lip and Palate Association website