The findings of a recent study have proposed that the women from unprivileged homes are less likely to consume a type of Vitamin B, which is highly recommended during pregnancy, and folic acid.
The study suggests that among the women from well to do families, 82% of them consume folic acid in some or the other form, before conception. However, only 46% of those from disadvantaged homes take folic acid.
The study, published in the latest edition of the Irish Medical Journal, highlighted that those of who in early 30s, 73% of them take folic acid before conception, in comparison to 29% of those ageing 24 years or below.
The researchers of the study have flagged off concerns, as folic acid is considered as an essential component during pregnancy. It helps prevent major birth defects associated with brain and spinal cord, when taken very early in pregnancy. Also it helps guard the unborn against neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
Ireland has been claimed to be drastically affected by such defects, with highest number of neural tube defects. However, measures have been adopted, including fortification, means essential nutrients are added to enrich the food, and also increase in the availability of multi-vitamin supplements.
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