04/04/00 ADA Calls Folate 'A Recipe for Wellness'

ADA Calls Folate 'A Recipe for Wellness'

Press Release

April 4, 2000

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AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION CALLS FOLATE "A RECIPE FOR WELLNESS"

CHICAGO -- Folate is critical to maintaining good health. The body needs it to make new cells. Up to 75 percent of serious birth defects of the spine and brain could be prevented if women consumed adequate daily amounts of folate in their diets, especially in the crucial months before pregnancy.

Scientific studies indicate folate -- and its synthetic form, folic acid -- may play a part in preventing coronary heart disease. A panel of leading scientists from universities in the United States and Great Britain, after reviewing three decades of research studies on folate, recently concluded: "The scientific evidence suggests that folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 help promote a healthy heart."

The good news, says the American Dietetic Association: obtaining sufficient quantities of folate is easy. Citrus fruits and juices are high in folate; so are leafy green vegetables such as spinach and romaine lettuce; wheat germ, fortified cereals and pinto, navy and kidney beans. Since 1998 the federal government has required bread, cereal, pasta, flour, crackers, and rice to be fortified with folic acid.

The bad news: Despite folate's benefits and availability in many foods, many women -- of childbearing age in particular -- fail to consume adequate quantities of folate and do not take folic acid supplements, according to several studies including two published last year in the The Journal of The American Dietetic Association.

The National Academy of Sciences recommends all women of childbearing age consume 400 micrograms of folate each day, but the average intake by American women is barely half that amount.

"Many people, especially women, have much to learn about folate and its crucial role in preventing birth defects and promoting overall health," says Washington-D.C., registered dietitian Edith Howard Hogan, a spokesperson for ADA.

"Folate consumption is a recipe for wellness," Hogan says.

"If you are a woman between the ages of 14 and 50 and it's even slightly possible that you'll get pregnant, make sure you include plenty of folic acid in your eating plan," Hogan says.

"Each year about 2,500 babies in the United States are born with neural-tube defects. But up to 75 percent of these cases can be prevented by eating enough folate-containing foods, as well as folic acid-fortified foods."

Hogan says many people already eat some foods that have folate, because many fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of this powerful vitamin. "Start by adding just one more serving of a fruit or vegetable each day. Before you know it you'll be on your way."

ADA strongly advises people to get their nutrients through foods first. "For some, including pregnant women and women of childbearing age, the elderly, strict vegans or others unable to eat a variety of foods, supplementation may be warranted," Hogan says.

The American Dietetic Association is a member of the National Council on Folic Acid, a coalition of organizations and government agencies working to reduce birth defects by promoting the consumption of folic acid among reproductive-age aomen.

The Chicago-based ADA is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. With nearly 70,000 members, ADA serves the public by promoting nutrition, health and well-being.