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Folic acid one year before conception cuts early birth risk

31/01/2008

The risk of having a premature baby could be halved if women take folic acid supplements for at least one year before conceiving, a new study says.

Researchers say the supplements could reduce the risk in some women by up to 70 per cent, regardless of age, race or other factors.

They claim a significant drop in very early premature births was noted.

The findings are based on an analysis of folate supplementation by over 38,000 participants in a trial sponsored by the US National Institutes of Health.

Dr Radek Bukowski from the University of Texas said folate supplementation for at least one year is linked to a 70 per cent decrease in very early preterm deliveries (20 to 28 weeks) and up to a 50 per cent reduction in early preterm deliveries of 28 to 32 weeks.

Commenting on the findings, Dr Alan Fleischman from the US pregnancy group March of Dimes said: "We already knew that folic acid supplementation beginning before pregnancy and continuing into the first trimester helps prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, such as spina bifida.

"Now Dr Bukowski's research makes us optimistic that taking folic acid for at least one year before pregnancy also may greatly reduce the risk of premature birth."

Premature birthing is the major cause of infant death in the UK. About 50,000 babies are born prematurely every year, with more than 1,500 babies dying as a result.