Folic acid important for the prevention of orofacial cleft defects and preterm birth

It is well-known that folic acid supplementation at the time of conception and during early pregnancy aids reduces the incidence of neural tube defects in babies and two new studies suggesting that folate also prevents orofacial clefts and preterm birth are adding to the data, writes Dr Ruth Hadfield PhD. Moreover, they highlight the importance of educating women to take a folic acid supplement when conceiving and during gestation.