‘Folic acid supplements helpful’

EXPERTS say women should take folic acid supplements at least two months before fertilisation to reduce the possibility of bearing children with disabilities caused by Spina Bifida.

According to scientific research, some babies are born with Spina Bifida if their mothers lack folic acid in their bodies or due to the mother’s poor diet.

Research has shown that women who take folic supplements before trying to have a baby reduce the prevalence of Spina Bifida by up to 70 percent.

Folic acid is an important vitamin in the neural development of a foetus in early pregnancy.

Most mothers in Zimbabwe take folatic acid supplements after they have discovered they are pregnant.

This is too late to prevent Spina Bifida as they should consume it at least a month before falling pregnant.