National Folic Acid Awareness Week

Folic Acid Awareness Week is September 10-16, 2023


During Folic Acid Awareness Week (FAAW), we invite you to connect with the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) to celebrate the successes of folic acid supplementation and fortification in preventing serious birth defects of the spine and brain. These birth defects, including spina bifida and anencephaly, are types of neural tube defects (NTD) that develop very early in pregnancy, before most women even know they are pregnant. 

Folic acid is a B-vitamin that is necessary for proper cell growth. If taken before and during early pregnancy, folic acid can prevent up to 70% of these serious birth defects.

It is recommended that people considering pregnancy take 400mcg of folic acid every day.

Our partner CDC has created a toolkit for folic acid awareness week, including special materials for Hispanic Heritage Month that begins in the middle of Folic Acid Awareness Week. Please check out their tools as well as ours provided below.

Please help us share this key information with your friends, family, and networks!

          Activities      Social Media       Finding Statistics        Other Resources







2023 Folic Acid Awareness Week (FAAW) Activities 

Sunday 9/10 - Saturday 9/16







Social media messaging from NBDPN

Please follow, like, and share each post with your networks!
It makes a HUGE impact and expands our reach.


Wednesday 
September 13th
1:00pm ET 


Member Listening Session

Connect with us!  Join in a group listening session of the new podcast from our partner MotherToBaby.  It includes an interview with a parent (who is also a clinic director) working to implement an interconception care model that encourages new mothers to take a daily multivitamin with folic acid, even after the birth of their most recent child.  A brief Q&A session will follow.

It's ok to join even if you aren't an "official" NBDPN member.


Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88454524091?pwd=UUY5WkhKWXZRencydFNXaXdNdW9VZz09


Meeting ID: 884 5452 4091

Passcode: 521111


Social Media Messaging 

We have created images and posts you can you use to help spread the word about folic acid and the #PowerToPrevent during Folic Acid Awareness Week (FAAW) or anytime throughout the year !

New this year:  we've created images with and without NBDPN branding logos.  Now, even more states and partners can use these images, while staying within your individual communication policies.


Social Media Images WITH NBDPN branding/logos

Please use these images created by NBDPN to create your own folic acid posts. 

  • Right click the image you wish to use and select "Save image as" to save the image on your device.
  • Go to your social media account and upload the image to your Instagram, X (Twitter), and/or Facebook.
  • You can post the image alone, add your own message, and/or choose/modify one of the sample posts provided below.


Need a little more self-care? Start by taking a multivitamin that has folic acid in it everyday! #PowerToPrevent

You are worth taking care of! Improve your self-care routine with a multivitamin that includes folic acid. #PowerToPrevent

Folic acid is a B vitamin important in making new cells. Folic acid protects the health of women throughout life, regardless of pregnancy plans. Even if you eat a healthy diet, it's difficult to get enough, so take a daily vitamin with 400mcgs of folic acid! #folicacid #PowerToPrevent

Did you know you would have to eat 4 cups of broccoli a day in order to reach your recommended daily folic acid intake? Most multivitamins and other folic acid supplements have at least 400mcg per tablet. Even if you eat a healthy diet, it's difficult to get enough, so take a daily vitamin with 400mcg of folic acid! We've included a list of folate rich foods to supplement with your multivitamin. #PowerToPrevent


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It's important to know where to look for folic acid! Slide over to see an example of what that looks like on your daily multivitamin! #PowerToPrevent

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So you have your vitamins with folic acid, but just can't seem to remember to take them daily? Here are some easy tips on ways to remember to take them! #PowerToPrevent

Today marks the start of Folic Acid Awareness Week. Tune in this week to learn more about folic acid and why it's important! #PowerToPrevent

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This is why we do Folic Acid Awareness Week! Here are 6 benefits of taking folic acid. #PowerToPrevent

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Did you know that NTDs, birth defects of the spine and brain, form before a woman even knows she is pregnant? That's why women should get 400 mcgs of folic acid every day if there is a chance they could become pregnant. #folicacid #PowerToPrevent

Folic acid is a B vitamin important in making new cells. Folic acid protects the health of women throughout life, regardless of pregnancy plans. Take a daily vitamin with 400mcg of folic acid! #PowerToPrevent

Let's play folic acid BINGO! Check off some of the activities that you've accomplished during Folic Acid Awareness week, screenshot it, and put on your story to share with @NBDPN. #PowerToPrevent

Many states monitor how many babies are born with neural tube defects (NTDs) like anencephaly and spina bifida. Daily folic acid helps prevent these birth defects! Women who are of childbearing age should take 400mcgs of folic acid every day (even when you're not planning a pregnancy)! 

#PowerToPrevent


Social Media Images WITHOUT NBDPN branding/logos

Please use these images created by NBDPN to create your own folic acid posts. If you are restricted from using images that include branding from another organization, the versions below are made available to use without using the NBDPN branding logo.

  • Right click the image you wish to use and select "Save image as" to save the image on your device.
  • Go to your social media account and upload the image to your Instagram, X (Twitter), and/or Facebook.
  • You can post the image alone, add your own message, and/or choose/modify one of the sample posts provided below.





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Social Media (Spanish)







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Past Folic Acid Awareness Week posts







Flyer/Infographic 

(These may also be used for social media messaging).

FLYER 8.5" x11" (WITH BRAND LOGO)

FLYER 8.5" x11" (WITHOUT BRAND LOGO)

INSTAGRAM / FACEBOOK (WITH BRAND LOGO)


INSTAGRAM / FACEBOOK (WITHOUT BRAND LOGO)

X (TWITTER) (WITH BRAND LOGO

X (TWITTER) (WITHOUT BRAND LOGO





Sample Messaging  / Suggested Text for Posts


General posts about folic acid


In Spanish:

  • En 1992, el Servicio de Salud Pública de los EE. UU. recomendó a todas las mujeres que pueden quedar embarazadas que tomen un suplemento con 400mcg de ácido fólico al día para prevenir defectos del tubo neural.


  • Did you know that about 3,000 pregnancies are affected by a defect of the spine (spina bifida) or brain (anencephaly) every year in the US? These conditions are also known as neural tube defects or NTD. Up to 70% of NTDs can be prevented if women take daily folic acid BEFORE becoming pregnant and during early pregnancy. #folicacid #PowerToPrevent

  • Many states monitor how many babies are born with neural tube defects (NTD) like anencephaly and spina bifida. Data from state programs show there were about 7-8 babies born with an NTD for every 10,000 live births. Folic acid helps prevent these birth defects! Take your folic acid every day. #folicacid #PowerToPrevent

  • While many foods that include wheat flour are fortified with folic acid in the United States, other common staple foods like corn masa flour, are not fortified often. This is one reason why Latinas are more likely to have babies born with neural tube defects. No matter your diet, make sure to take 400mcg of #folicacid daily #folicacid #PowerToPrevent

  • CDC is a great source for information about folic acid. #folicacid #PowerToPrevent

  • Did you know that NTD, birth defects of the spine and brain, form before a woman even knows she is pregnant? That's why women should get 400mcg of folic acid every day if there is a chance they could become pregnant. #folicacid #PowerToPrevent

  • Test your knowledge about folic acid by taking the Folic Acid Quiz! #folicacid #PowerToPrevent

  • Timing is important! Neural tube defects (NTD) form very early in pregnancy, before most women even recognize they are pregnant. Women who are of childbearing age should take 400mcg of folic acid daily to ensure they have enough in their system to reduce the risk of an NTD should they become pregnant. #folicacid #PowerToPrevent

  • Some women only start taking a multivitamin when they get pregnant, but it is important to also take a daily vitamin with 400mcg of folic acid BEFORE pregnancy to prevent serious birth defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. #folicacid #PowerToPrevent


Posts for people not planning a pregnancy


  • Folic acid is a B vitamin important in making new cells. Folic acid protects the health of women throughout life, regardless of pregnancy plans. Even if you eat a healthy diet, it's difficult to get enough, so take a daily vitamin with 400mcg of folic acid! #folicacid #PowerToPrevent

  • So you have your vitamins with folic acid, but just can't seem to remember to take them daily? Use a pillbox, set doses where you see them (at work/school, on nightstand), take it when you brush your teeth, set a daily alarm, or use an app! You can do it! #folicacid #PowerToPrevent

  • Multivitamins too pricey? Try store brands or a folic acid-only supplement. Or check with your state health department to see if there are free/discounted vitamin programs in your area! #folicacid #PowerToPrevent

  • Some state health departments have free vitamin programs! If you live in Utah, check out Power Your Life or if you live in Arizona, Power Me A2Z! #folicacid #PowerToPrevent

  • Some pharmacies have free vitamin programs to ensure women can get their daily folic acid to help prevent birth defects in a future pregnancy. Find a pharmacy that participates in a vitamin program here! #folicacid #PowerToPrevent

  • Worried about taking folic acid? Even if you have an MTHFR variant, you can process all types of folate, including folic acid. Check out @CDC for the latest information on folic acid and MTHFR variants. #folicacid #PowerToPrevent 


Posts for people planning a pregnancy


  • Timing is important! Neural tube defects (NTD) form very early in pregnancy, before most women even recognize they are pregnant. Women who are of childbearing age should take 400mcg of folic acid daily to ensure they have enough in their system to reduce the risk of an NTD should they become pregnant. #folicacid #PowerToPrevent

  • Did you know that NTD, birth defects of the spine and brain, form before a woman even knows she is pregnant? That's why women should get 400mcg of folic acid every day if there is a chance they could become pregnant. #folicacid #PowerToPrevent

  • Some women only start taking a multivitamin when they get pregnant, but it is important to also take a daily vitamin with 400mcg of folic acid BEFORE pregnancy to prevent serious birth defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. #folicacid #PowerToPrevent

  • Worried about taking folic acid? Even if you have an MTHFR variant, you can process all types of folate, including folic acid. Check out @CDC for the latest information on folic acid and MTHFR variants. #folicacid #PowerToPrevent 

  • Planning to get pregnant soon? Start a healthy habit today and get 400mcg of folic acid every day. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/index.html 

In Spanish:


Post for Health Care Providers


  • Health care providers, what you say matters! Remember to advise women to take a vitamin with 400mcg of folic acid daily to help prevent serious birth defects of the spine and brain, regardless of their intention to become pregnant. #folicacid #PowerToPrevent

  • Timing is important! Neural tube defects (NTD) form very early in pregnancy, before most women even recognize they are pregnant. Women who are of childbearing age should take 400mcg of folic acid daily to ensure they have enough in their system to reduce the risk of an NTD should they become pregnant. #folicacid #PowerToPrevent

  • Let's celebrate over 30 years of preventing serious birth defects of the spine and brain! In 1992, the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) recommended people capable of becoming pregnant consume 400mcg of folic acid daily to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs). #folicacid #PowerToPrevent



Finding Statistics

March of Dimes PeriStats provides free access to maternal and infant health-related data at the national, state, county, and city levels:

  • Folic Acid: Self-reported multivitamin use in the month before pregnancy (Source: PRAMS)

  • Birth Defects: Prevalence of Spina Bifida or Anencephaly (Source: State and local birth defects surveillance systems)


Example of self-reported multivitamin use prior to pregnancy (Georgia):



Recent Publications

Folic Acid and the Prevention of Birth Defects: 30 Years of Opportunity and Controversies

Crider KS, Qi YP, Yeung LF, et al. Folic Acid and the Prevention of Birth Defects: 30 Years of Opportunity and Controversies. Annu Rev Nutr. 2022;42:423-452. doi:10.1146/annurev-nutr-043020-091647



Changes in Spina Bifida Lesion Level After Folic Acid Fortification in the US

Mai CT, Evans J, Alverson CJ, et al. Changes in Spina Bifida Lesion Level After Folic Acid Fortification in the US [published online ahead of print, 2022 Jun 27]. J Pediatr. 2022;S0022-3476(22)00597-2. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.06.023



Trends in Multivitamin Use Among Women of Reproductive Age: United States, 2006-2016

Wong EC, Rose CE, Flores AL, Yeung LF. Trends in Multivitamin Use Among Women of Reproductive Age: United States, 2006-2016. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2019;28(1):37-45. doi:10.1089/jwh.2018.7075






OTHER RESOURCES

CDC


March of Dimes


MotherToBaby


Unique Tools and Resources from State Programs

Power Me A2Z - Arizona Department of Health Services
Website for women, couples and families, including a program for free vitamins for Arizona women  

Power Your Life Power Your Health - Utah Department of Health 
Website for women, couples and families, including a program for free vitamins for Utah women  

Food Folate Food Game - Florida Folic Acid Coalition
Plan meals with foods high in folate below and supplement with 400mcg of folic acid!

Folic Acid: Your Vitamin For Life - Arkansas Folic Acid Coalition website

Folic Acid Take it for Your Health - Michigan Department of Community Health
Brochures featuring women from diverse communities available in English, Arabic, and Spanish