Sex differences in the prevalence of neural tube defects and preventive effects of folic acid (FA) supplementation among five counties in northern China: results from a population-based birth defect surveillance programme.

Comparison of population data on blood folate concentration among pregnant women and NTD prevalence data indicated a clear trend: plasma folate concentration increased from 10.4 nmol/L in 2003–2004 33 to 33.4 nmol/L in 2011–2012 22 while the prevalence of NTDs decreased from 117.8/10 000 births to 60.3/10 000 births, respectively. 19 Women who took FA supplements had significantly higher folate concentrations (median 41.9 nmol/L) than those who did not (13.2 nmol/L) in 2003–2004.

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