Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a group of major congenital anomalies comprising anencephaly, spina bifida and encephalocele that result from very early disruption in the development of the brain and spinal cord. These conditions are often incompatible with life. Survivors frequently require intensive, costly, lifelong health and social care.
There is strong evidence of substantial reductions in the prevalence of NTD-affected pregnancies among women given periconceptional folic acid. Information about the benefits and programs promoting dietary and/or supplemental folic acid intake by women before and during pregnancy have existed in Australia for over 20 years. Voluntary fortification of foods with folic acid has been permitted in Australia since 1995. These measures have resulted in a very modest increase in folic acid consumption overall by women of childbearing age.
In Australia, from 13 September 2009, the mandatory folic acid fortification standard requires the addition of folic acid to all wheat flour for bread making, with the exception of organic bread, within the prescribed range of 200–300 μg per 100 g of flour. The main benefit is the primary prevention of NTDs.
This report updates the baseline prevalence of NTDs in Australia using data for the years from 2006 to 2008. These precede the implementation of mandatory folic acid fortification of bread flour. It is expected that the information provided in this report will help evaluate the impact of mandatory folic acid fortification on the prevalence of NTDs in the future.
The results demonstrate four key aspects of the overall prevalence of NTDs that have implications for monitoring the effects of bread flour fortification.
Neural Tube Defects in Australia, 1998-2005
Congenital anomalies in Australia 2002-2003
Congenital anomalies in Australia 1998-2001
Congenital malformations, Australia 1997
Congenital malformations Australia 1995 and 1996
Congenital malformations Australia 1993 and 1994
Congenital malformations Australia 1981-1992