Folic Acid and NTDs — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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EasyCommunity & Indigenous HealthFolic Acid and NTDsRACP Paediatrics

Folic acid supplementation before conception reduces the risk of what congenital anomaly?

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Correct answer: A — Neural tube defects

Periconceptional folic acid supplementation (400 mcg/day for low-risk, 5 mg/day for high-risk women) reduces neural tube defects by 50-70%. Mandatory fortification of bread flour with folic acid was introduced in Australia in 2009, reducing NTD rates.

Reference: NHMRC – 2024 – Australian Dietary Guidelines