Health Minister Michelle O’Neill, Ray Dolan, Chief Executive of Safefood and Cathy McKillop, Northern Ireland Director of SHINE.
A NEW campaign is urging women across Derry to take folic acid supplements to avoid the risk of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) in newborns.
The campaign by Safefood and is urging women to take the supplements, whether they wish to get pregnant or not.
Research shows that just one in five women currently avail of the option.
NTDs can include spina bifida and hydrocephalus and Health Minister Michelle O’Neill has welcomed the campaign.
“Fewer than one in five local women of childbearing age take folic acid on a daily basis,” she said.
“We have one of the highest incidences of neural tube defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly, so this is a serious issue.
“For any woman who might become pregnant – not just those who are trying for a baby – taking folic acid should be part of her daily routine in order to reduce the risk of her baby having a neural tube defect.”
Dr Cliodhna Foley-Nolan, Director of Human Health & Nutrition, Safefood said: “For a healthy mum and baby, the only way to get adequate levels of folic acid is by taking it every day as a 400 microgram supplement and making that a daily habit.
“While there has been some recent debate about fortification of foods with folic acid, this is still some way off and even with fortified foods, taking the daily supplement provides the best protection of the unborn baby’s spine and brain.”
Cathy McKillop, Northern Ireland Director of SHINE, a local charity which provides support and guidance to families and children with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, said: “It’s such a small thing which can make a big difference.”
“We would also encourage higher risk women who have gone through previous NTD pregnancies, suffer from diabetes or who might be overweight or obese to consult their local GP as they might need a higher dose of folic Acid.”
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