Perspective: Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFAS): A Critical Review and Rationale for Inclusion in the Essential Medicines List to Accelerate Anemia and Neural Tube Defects Reduction
This review explores the importance of including the WHO-recommended formulation of weekly iron and folic acid supplementation in the Model Essential Medicines List (MEML). This inclusion is key because it would help countries prioritize this formulation in their national supply management and procurement plans for medicines. The WHO’s guidelines on WIFAS acknowledge its effectiveness in […]
Duration of periconceptional folic acid supplementation and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus
This study investigates the impact of the duration of folic acid supplementation on the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Chinese women. This prospective study included 326 pregnant women, examining their folic acid intake during pre-pregnancy and early pregnancy, lipid profiles at 16-18 weeks of gestation, and the diagnosis of GDM at 24-28 […]
Effects of Supplementation with Folic Acid and Its Combinations with Other Nutrients on Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Narrative Review
This review addresses a critical public health issue: the impact of folic acid, both alone and in combination with other nutrients, on cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease. Folic acid is essential, and its deficiency is linked to neurocognitive dysfunctions, often due to hyperhomocysteinemia—an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, including cognitive impairment and […]
Folic Acid and Cognitive Development in Children
Cognitive development in children is a complex process influenced by various factors, including maternal nutrition. One nutrient, folic acid, has gained attention for its potential role in this area. This article delves into recent research to explore how maternal folic acid use impacts children’s cognitive development. Suzuki et al. (2022) found that adequate dietary folate […]
The Beneficial Effects of Folic Acid on Homocysteine Levels and Cardiovascular Health
Elevated levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood, have been associated with increased risks of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Folic acid, a B vitamin, plays a crucial role in reducing these levels, thereby potentially improving cardiovascular health. This article explores the relationship between folic acid supplementation, homocysteine levels, and cardiovascular health based on recent […]
The Critical Role of Folic Acid in Preventing Birth Defects During Pregnancy
The journey towards ensuring a healthy pregnancy and the prevention of birth defects has been revolutionized by the discovery and implementation of folic acid supplementation. Research has consistently shown that adequate intake of folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy can markedly reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in newborns (Webber et […]
