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	FOLATE (folacin or folic acid):
	Functions: Folate is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in producing DNA and RNA to make new body cells. It also works with vitamin B12 to form hemoglobin in red blood cells. Deficiency problems: Impaired cell division and growth, a type of anemia, and during the first trimester of pregnancy, increased risk of delivering a baby with neural tube defects including spina bifida. Food sources: Leafy vegetables, orange juice and some fruits, legumes, liver, yeast breads, wheat germ and some fortified cereals. Excess amounts: May interfere with medications and cause convulsions in people with epilepsy. It can also mask vitamin B12 deficiencies, leading to permanent nerve damage if not treated with vitamin B12. Source: The American Dietetic Association

May 13, 1999
Web posted at: 11:03 a.m. EDT (1503 GMT)

BOSTON (CNN) -- New research shows the mandatory addition of folic acid to grain products over the past three years has drastically boosted levels of the vitamin in consumers.

Researchers have been unable to determine, however, if the added nutrient has cut the number of neurological birth defects.

Folic acid, or folate, is a B vitamin that plays a major role in the formation of new body cells. Folic acid deficiency in the early stages of pregnancy has been linked to spina bifida, a condition in which the lower portion of the spine is not enclosed by the backbone at birth. The defect can cause paralysis and mental impairment.

In January 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordered manufacturers to add folic acid to flour, rice, pasta and other grain products.

Drastic change in older adults

Research reported in the New England Journal of Medicine found levels of folic acid in the body doubled in study participants, and the percentage of those who had a folate deficiency dropped from 22 percent to 1.7 percent since the FDA program went into effect.

The findings were based on the Framingham Offspring Study, which started in 1971 as part of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's Framingham Heart Study.

Researchers, lead by Paul Jacques of Tufts University, said only a small number of study participants were younger than 40.

"We were not able to assess directly the effect of fortification on women of reproductive age," he said. "However, we have no reason to believe that the effect of fortification differs from the effect in older adults."

A recent report by the March of Dimes found that although more women are aware of the need for folic acid, many are not taking steps to ensure they get enough in their diet. The organization estimates one-third of U.S. women are not getting enough of the nutrient.

Folic acid is found naturally in green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits and beans.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.