A
neural tube defect will occur in human
embryos if there is an interference with the closure of the
neural tube occurs around the 28th day after
fertilization. The
incidence of neural tube defects is 2.6 in 1,000 worldwide.
[citation needed]In Canada, mandatory fortification of selected foods with folic acid has been shown to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects by 46%[1].
Women who are or could become pregnant are advised to take daily supplements of folic acid, unless their dietary intake of this nutrient during pregnancy is already high.
Neural tube defects may be detected by a variety of methods, including some prenatal screening tests and medical imaging. Often, these defects are apparent at birth, but occult defects may be not diagnosed until much later in life.
