Committee on Genetics: Folic Acid for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects

The Committee on Genetics has recently reviewed available data on the role of folic acid in the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs) and the recommendations made by the Public Health Service. The AAP has subsequently endorsed the Public Health Service recommendation and encouraged the Department of Health and Human Services to expeditiously devise and implement a program, such as food fortification, to further prevent folate-related neural tube defects.