In the United States, approximately one in every 750 babies are born with cleft lip and/or palate, according to the National Institutes of Health. Cleft lip is a birth defect that occurs when there is an incomplete closure of tissue around the lips and gums. Although genetics plays a role in determining risk for cleft lip, maternal intake of folic acid during pregnancy is also a major factor. Consuming adequate amounts of folic acid prior to and during pregnancy can help decrease the risk for cleft lip birth defects.
Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy can cause multiple birth defects, such as neural tube defects, cleft lip, cleft palate, spina bifida and anencephaly (underdevelopment of the brain). Supplementation of folic acid prior to and during pregnancy can decrease the risk of birth defects. In a study by the National Institutes of Health, daily consumption of 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid during pregnancy decreased the risk for cleft lip in newborns by 33 percent . Cleft lip in babies and children can lead to problems with feeding, speech or dental health.
Requirements
Because folic acid is essential for development during the first 30 days of gestation, a time when many women are unaware of their pregnancy, all women of childbearing age should consume at least 400 mcg of folic acid per day, and women who are pregnant need 600 mcg per day to help prevent cleft lip and other birth defects, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health. Additionally, women with a history of delivering babies with cleft lip or neural tube defects have increased needs of up to 4,000 mcg of folic acid per day starting one month prior to conception and throughout the first trimester of pregnancy, according to the BabyCenter website.
Sources
Since 1998, all cereal-grain products sold in the U.S. have been enriched with folic acid. Some cereals on the market provide 100 percent of your daily folic acid in one serving. In addition to grain products, many fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes are good sources of folic acid. A serving of cooked frozen spinach provides 100 mcg, or 25 percent of the normal daily requirement. Baked beans, long-grain rice, broccoli and egg noodles each contain 50 to 65 mcg of folic acid per serving. Most multivitamins provide at least 400 mcg of folic acid; however, you should always consult your physician prior to taking any supplements.
Other Nutrients
In addition to folic acid, pregnant women need other nutrients to help prevent cleft lip and other birth defects. A study by Krapels, et al in "The Journal of Nutrition" reported a higher incidence of cleft lip and cleft palate when maternal diet was low in essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, iron, magnesium and vitamin A. The study also reported lower incidence of cleft lip with higher maternal intakes of vegetable protein and fiber. Diets that include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy products will provide the assortment of nutrients women need to help prevent cleft lip during pregnancy.
References
- National Institutes of Health; NIH News: Folic Acid May Prevent Cleft Lip and Palate; January 2007
- National Institutes of Health; Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Folate
- "Pediatric Nutrition Handbook"; Ronald E. Kleinman, et al.; 2009
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; Maternal Nutritional Status and the Risk for Orofacial Cleft Offspring in Humans; Ingrid P. C. Krapels, et al.; November 2004
- KidsHealth.org; TeensHealth: Cleft Lip and Palate
- American Pregnancy Association: Folic Acid
- Baby Center: Folic acid in Your Pregnancy Diet
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