Folic acid is given routinely to all ANC patients to prevent Neural Tube Defect. We know that neural tube is formed even before the female knows that she had conceived. (Embryo has formed before she misses her period). So what is the rationale in giving the folic acid after the neural tube has been formed?
Shouldn't it be given to all females who are planning for pregnancy? What are your opinions on this concept of giving folic acid tablets (at least 100 tablets) to females, especially to poor and undernourished females? And can it be included in mass campaigns and education by public health sector or community medicine doctors?
