Introduction: Neural tube defects are congenital malformations of brain and spinal cord. There is evidence that adequate amounts of folic acid supply to women before and during early pregnancy decreases the risk of having a neural tube defects affected child. Main sources of folic acid are food rich in folic acid, multivitamins with folic acid supplementation, and folic acid fortification of cereal products.
Objectives: To assess folic acid consumption from food and from medication in a group of mothers. To analyze their knowledge about using folic acid to prevent neural tube defects. To evaluate association between inadequate consumption and information, level of education, and concurrence to private or public health sector. To measure the amount of folic acid in bread sold within the region.
Design: Observational cross-sectional study.
Surveys: Mothers of children under 2 months of age that were assisted by 38 pediatricians in five cities in the Region, collected between November 2006 and March 2007. Amount of folic acid in bread: bread samples acquired in the same cities.
Results and conclusions: 327 surveys were collected. The average daily intake of folic acid from food was 481 Hg; 43,4% of women consume less than 400 Hg daily. Medical supplementation was suitable in 27,8% of the sample. 52,9% had appropriated knowledge about folic acid and prevention of neural tube defects. Differences were observed between mothers concurring to private or public health sector, and those who had or had not completed secondary school in relation to both supplementation and knowledge of folic acid. The media amount of folic acid in bread samples was 192,34 Hg / 100 g. All samples were manufactured with fortified flour.