Folic acid and birth defects / 国际儿科学杂志

ABSTRACT

Folic acid deficiency is associated with birth defects such as fetal spina bifida and congenital heart disease. Folic acid supplementation during pregnancy can prevent various birth defects, but excessive fo-lic acid may increase the risk of certain diseases. This article reviews the causes of folate deficiency, single nu-cleotide polymorphisms of folate metabolism-related enzyme genes, the mechanism of birth defects caused by folic acid deficiency, and the correct supplementation of folic acid to prevent birth defects.