Taking folic acid supplements in early pregnancy seems to substantially reduce the risk of cleft lip, finds a new study published on http://www.bmj.com .
It is widely known that taking folic acid in early pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. The current recommended daily dose is 400µg starting before conception.
Some studies have suggested that folic acid may also help prevent facial clefts, but the question remains unresolved. So researchers set out to assess the possible effects of folic acid on facial clefts in Norway, which has one of the highest rates of facial clefts in Europe.
Full article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=61748
