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Folic Acid: Prevention Activities
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Folic Acid Prevention Activities

The CDC, the March of Dimes, and the National Council on Folic Acid have organized the National Folic Acid Campaign to promote the use of folic acid to prevent the serious birth defects spina bifida and anencephaly. The goal is to educate all women of reproductive age to consume 400 micrograms (0.4 mg) of synthetic folic acid daily from vitamin supplements and/or fortified foods in addition to eating a healthful diet.

The campaign targets all women of reproductive age, health care professionals, and community advocacy groups. Among women of reproductive age, research helped identify two target groups for the campaign: women planning a pregnancy (“contemplators”) and those not planning a pregnancy (“non-contemplators”).

The “contemplators” generally fall in the 18-35 year old range and are planning a pregnancy sometime in the next year or so. They would seriously consider behavior changes that would improve pregnancy outcomes.

The biggest barrier for these women appears to be that they do not know when folic acid is needed to be effective. Therefore, education about the importance of folic acid before conception and in the first few months is important.

The “non-contemplators” are harder to reach. These young women are usually 18-24 and are not planning to become pregnant. They are more resistant to behaviors that improve pregnancy outcomes.

As 50% of all pregnancies are unplanned, it is important to raise non-contemplators awareness about the benefit of taking multivitamins now in order to reduce the risk for some serious birth defects in the future.


Date last reviewed: 09/29/2003
 Selected Resources
What's New
Several campaign contacts have shared materials and web sites with CDC. Check out what other states are doing surrounding folic acid!  [Programs & Campaigns]
Campaign Materials and References
CDC has folic acid education materials available free of charge for your use. The materials were developed, tested, refined, and produced to target two audiences.  [Programs & Campaigns]
Science Ambassador Program
Selected teachers will learn about a variety of topics, including folic acid, birth defects, genetics, fetal alcohol syndrome, epidemiology, and surveillance from eminent CDC scientists. Participating teachers can then use this knowledge to create and implement exciting new science lesson plans for their students.
National Council on Folic Acid
A coalition to promote the vitamin folic acid for the prevention of birth defects.  [About Us]
 Resources on Folic Acid
Education and Training Opportunities Guidelines & Recommendations Publications and Products
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