Adequate consumption of the B vitamin folic acid among all women capable of becoming pregnant could prevent approximately 50% of spina bifida and other neural tube defects (NTDs). Daily use of a vitamin supplement containing folic acid ensures adequate folic acid consumption and folic acid fortification is now mandated for enriched foods. Other foods, such as leafy green vegetables, orange juice, and beans contain the less bioavailable form of natural food folate. Previous qualitative research indicated some childbearing aged women strongly believed their regular diets contained all the vitamins and other nutrients they needed for themselves and for pregnancy. These women were significantly more resistant to taking folic acid supplements, the form clinically shown to prevent birth defects. This analysis compares women who reported their diet was sufficient to those who did not and has implications for folic acid as well as for other dietary interventions. Among women not taking a multivitamin, 24% reported their diet was sufficient because they ate many fruits, vegetables and grains. These women were more likely to be white and have higher income and higher education than women reporting no supplement use. Other reasons for not taking a daily supplement included not being concerned about birth defects prevention, a dislike for taking pills, and a belief that vitamins were not important to health. This study suggests that a woman’s perception of her diet may affect her attitude toward vitamin supplementation and her willingness to engage in an least one important behavioral risk reduction.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Articulate the ways in which the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of women who report their diet is nutritious differ from women who do not report this belief. 2. Discuss the implications of these differences in preconceptional health planning.
Keywords: Vitamins, Reproductive Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.