@CDCgov says that says very year, 3,000 babies are born with neural tube defects, which averages about 8 babies per day.
Folic acid is vital in helping to reduce neural tube defects in babies @GrainFoods
The #1 source of folic acid in the American diet is enriched grains! Enjoy enriched grain foods like breads, tortillas, cereals and pasta. @GrainFoods
@CDCgov acknowledges enriched grains, rather than supplements, as responsible for lowering the rate of neural tube birth defects by approximately one-third in the U.S. and recently named folic acid fortification of enriched grains as one of the top 10 public health achievements of the first decade of the 21st century.
Did you know, Hispanic babies are at higher risk of neural tube defects, according to @CDCgov
Moms-to-be: help reduce the risk of neural tube defects by eating folate-enriched or fortified foods like breads, tortillas, crackers or cereals. @GrainFoods
Mandatory folic acid fortification of grain foods has helped approximately 1,300 U.S. babies to be born without a neural tube defect each year. See what you can do before and during pregnancy to reduce major birth defects of your baby's brain and spine: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/index.html @CDCgov
All enriched cereals and grain products in the U.S. are fortified with folic acid, but only 1/3 of U.S. women of childbearing age get the recommended amount in their diet, which can lead to birth defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. @CDCgov https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/index.html
Women who could become pregnant can hit the daily recommended amount of folic acid by consuming a bowl of breakfast cereal that has 100% of the value of folic acid per serving. #GetGrains #HealthyBabyMonth
Folic acid is needed for spinal cord development in the first 3 weeks of a pregnancy, often a time before a woman is aware of her pregnancy. @CDCgov
Women need to pay attention to their eating habits before a pregnancy because a pre-pregnancy diet is just as important as their diet during pregnancy.
Experts advise all women of reproductive age to follow a healthy lifestyle that includes folate-enriched or fortified foods. @GrainFoods
"If all women consumed the recommended amount of folic acid, incidence of neural tube defects could be reduced by up to 70%...enriched flour contains two times as much folic acid as its whole grain counterpart” -Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, GFF Scientific Advisory Board Member
"It is important that women, even at an early age, become vigilant about having folic acid in their diets. Most of our folic acid and B vitamins actually come from enriched grains in our diet, so foods like bread, crackers, pastas and other fortified foods made from enriched white flour are great sources of folic acid." -Dr. Bruce Young, MD, GFF Scientific Advisory Board Member
Looking for a winter indoor activity the whole family can enjoy? Just grab some English muffins and turn them into mini pizzas. Here’s a step-by-step guide from ChooseMyPlate.gov http://bit.ly/2eqVQgD. Feel free to improvise by using your favorite veggies, lean meats or cheeses for toppings. #GetGrains
Tea is packed with antioxidants and may boost your immune system – perfect for the winter months. Treat yourself to a steaming cup and make it extra special by adding favorite cookies. Check out the grocery store aisle for a wide selection of delicious, convenient choices. #GetGrains
Eating breakfast gives you energy for the day and helps concentration – a big plus during the winter months. Check out the muffin selection at your local grocery store. #GetGrains
Folic Acid Awareness Week
It's Folic Acid Awareness Week. @CDCgov and U.S. Public Health Service: Women ages 15-45 should consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to help prevent 2 types of neural tube defects - spina bifida & anencephaly. Folic acid sources = white bread, rolls, buns, crackers, bagels @NBDPN
January 3-9, 2022 is Folic Acid Awareness Week. If a woman has enough folic acid in her body before and during pregnancy, it can help reduce major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine. Women need 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day and can hit that amount by consuming bread, breakfast cereal, and bagels. Find out more here: https://www.nbdpn.org/faaw.php @NBDPN
National Pie Day (January 23)
Nothing beats a warm piece of pie on a winter’s day, and what better day to indulge than National Pie Day? Keep it simple and pick up a pie at your local grocery store to celebrate a traditional, delicious baked good. Just pop it in the oven to warm it! #GetGrains
