A new report by a world authority on vitamin B12 calls for all women who may become pregnant to follow updated pre-conceptual supplement recommendations, which could further reduce the number of pregnancies affected by Neural Tube Defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
It is now believed that taking vitamin B12 alongside folic acid may be more effective in NTD prevention than taking folic acid alone. On the basis of the new report and mounting global scientific evidence, SHINE, Europe's largest organisation dedicated to individuals and families affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus, has announced an update to its folic acid recommendations:
“All women who may become pregnant should take a daily supplement containing 400mcg of folic acid and at least 2.5mcg of B12 once a day with a meal. These vitamins should ideally be taken from at least 3 months prior to conception and for the first 3 months of pregnancy to help prevent NTDs.”
SHINE is also launching an initiative to urge all UK health authorities and organisations to recognise the potential benefits of B12 and help support the work necessary to optimise the prevention of NTDs.
The author of the report, Professor John Scott, founder of the Vitamin Research Unit at the Institute of Molecular Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, concludes: ‘It is clear that, as well as the addition of a folic acid supplement (400 mcg per day), the addition of a vitamin B12 component of at least 2.5 mcg per day would bring about a further significant and worthwhile risk reduction for NTDs.’
SHINE CEO, Jackie Bland commented, "NTDs are a serious health threat which can lead to enormous challenges and painful decisions. The most serious form, anencephaly, means that the baby will not live long beyond birth, and many babies born with spina bifida face a life with serious, multiple disabilities. SHINE is committed to the primary prevention of NTDs and as such it is our duty to make women aware of the potential benefits of B12."
NTDs still affect 1 in 1000 pregnancies in the UK. When taken correctly before and during pregnancy, folic acid could prevent up to 72% of these cases, but it’s not the only answer.
Scientists worldwide have searched for ways to reduce the risk further, including studying the potential benefits of vitamin B12 which is essential for the body to metabolise folic acid. This has highlighted a link between low folate and low B12 levels, with some studies suggesting a possible 2-3 fold risk increase for NTDs in women with low B12 status.
Professor Scott's Report for SHINE
* Major spinal surgery to close the gap in the spine usually takes place just 24hrs after birth. For most, this is usually just the first of many surgical procedures to come.
* Around 90 % of babies born with spina bifida will also develop Hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain) meaning further major surgery.
‘Vitamin B12 may help folic acid work even better’- (SHINE CEO Jackie Bland)
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