Folic acid is a B vitamin (B9) that plays a crucial role in cell formation and growth.[1] Folic acid intake during pregnancy is important for supporting the rapid growth of a fetus.[2] Folic acid intake is recommended before and during pregnancy because it prevents neural tube defects.[1]
| People taking folic acid supplements during preconception and pregnancy |
About the MeasureThis data is collected from the Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN), a provincial program that collects data related to mother and infant health in Ontario.[3] Women are recorded as taking folic acid supplementation during preconception (before pregnancy), during pregnancy, and during both time periods. Key FindingsBetween 2013 and 2018, the percentage of people who gave birth who reported taking folic acid supplements at any point during preconception or pregnancy increased slightly. The increase was largely among those people who reported taking folic acid supplements during both preconception and pregnancy. Data for Dufferin County, the City of Guelph and Wellington County can be found in the downloadable dataset at the bottom of this page.
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Source: BORN, 2013-18. Prepared by Health Analytics Team, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. WDG Report Card Coalition (distributor). Extracted May 29, 2019. LimitationsWomen's folic acid intake is self-reported and is subject to response bias.
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[1] Association of Public Health Epidemiologists in Ontario. (2015). Folic acid supplementation. Available at: http://core.apheo.ca/index.php?pid=148
[2] Health Canada. (2013). Prenatal nutrition guidelines for health professionals - Folate contributes to a healthy pregnancy. Ottawa, ON: Health Canada. Available at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/pubs/nutrition/folate-eng.php
[3] Better Outcomes Registry and Network Ontario. (2017). About BORN. Ottawa, ON: Available at: https://www.bornontario.ca/en/about-born/