Atualidades sobre a deficiência de ácido fólico na gestação e estratégias de prevenção e controle

Abstract

The nutritional micronutrient deficiencies, represented especially by the lack of folic acid, are widely recognized as a major health and nutrition issue among women and children, reflecting negatively on reproductive health and child development. Folate deficiency has been associated with and anemia adverse outcomes in pregnancy like neural tube defects. Current recommendations for the prevention of such diseases are difficult to achieve through diet alone, and folic acid supplementation and food fortification are viable strategies for public health. This study aimed to review the literature on supplementation and fortification of folic acid strategies for prevention and treatment of disability in pregnant and in women of reproductive age, and their impact on child healthnPUBMED, LILACS and SciELO, databases were consulted , from 1991 to 2011. In this scenario, nutritional supplementation, fortification of food represents promising strategies to combat micronutrient deficiencies. However, supplementation and fortification should be chosen carefully, based on the tolerable limit. Once excessive consumption is associated with adverse effects, healthy eating habits promotion are important to promote health and prevent microdeficiências on maternal and child health.