A nerve tube defect present at birth that results in a gap in the bone that surrounds the spinal cord. Spina bifida is relatively common, occurring about 10 to 20 times per 1,000 births.

	Increased Folic Acid Requirement The Condition "...Folic acid aids in the prevention of birth defects called neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida and anencephaly..." NTD Related Topic "Neural Tube Defects, also known as Spina Bifida..." Pregnancy-Related Issues The Condition "...Folic acid plays a critical role for the developing fetus by preventing neural tube defects such as spina bifida, a condition in which parts of the spinal cord are unprotected by vertebrae, and anencephaly, a fatal defect in which both the skull and most of the brain are missing..." Recommendation Folic Acid "...892­3] Neural tube defects: (spina bifida): In one study, women who consumed 400mcg of folic acid per day cut in half their chances of having babies with birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, such as spina bifida..."

Last updated: May 10, 2007