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USPSTF 2023: All persons planning to or could become pregnant should take daily folic acid supplement (A recommendation)
Clinical Question
Should primary care clinicians recommend that all persons who are planning to or who could become pregnant take a daily supplement of folic acid?
Bottom line
Since the previous review, the USPSTF found additional evidence on the benefit of folic acid supplementation for preventing neural tube defects. Since the critical period starts at least 1 month before conception, the task force recommends a daily supplement of 0.4 mg to 0.8 mg folic acid for all persons who plan to or could become pregnant (A recommendation). This review is consistent with the 2017 USPSTF recommendation statement. 2c
Reference
Study design: Practice guideline
Funding: Government
Setting: Various (guideline)
Synopsis
Since the last evidence review, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) found additional observational studies that support the association of folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy with a reduced risk of neural tube defects. In addition, no evidence of harm was found to be associated with pregnancy-related folic acid exposure. Emphasis is placed on the importance of being aware of the critical period starting at least 1 month before conception and continuing through the first 2 to 3 months of pregnancy. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians all similarly recommend folic acid supplementation for persons of reproductive age who are planning to or could become pregnant.
Reviewer
David C. Slawson, MD
Professor and Vice Chair of Family Medicine for Education and Scholarship
Atrium Health
Professor of Family Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill
Charlotte, NC
Comments
USPSTF 2023: All persons planning to or could become pregnan
Why on earth can we not say USPSTF 2023: All women planning to or could become pregnant should take daily folic acid supplement (A recommendation)?
N/A
N/A
Impact assessment
Excellent
FOLIC ACID IN PREGNANCY
GOOD TO KNOW