That's the finding in a study by researchers at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that is published in the Sept. 28 issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Normally, an egg and a sperm each carry 23 chromosomes, but if either carries an extra chromosome, that leads to Down syndrome. If the egg carries the extra chromosome, that problem usually occurs during ovulation. Health experts recommend all women of childbearing age get at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily because it helps prevent a variety of birth defects. However, women do not reap the benefits of folic acid after conception, so they should begin taking supplements before becoming pregnant.
Folic acid is found in leafy green vegetables, beans, tuna and eggs.
Last year, the government ordered that pasta, cereal and flour to be fortified with folic acid. HIV Update Alzheimer's News Parkinson's News Osteoporosis Cardiac Care Stroke Medi Dates Send Your Ques.