Due to a small mistake of parents, this disease occurs with birth in children, it is 3 times more serious than polio.

Our India country has been free from polio, but there is still a risk of a disease that is 3 times more serious than polio in children, which is often seen in children. This is called Neural Tube Defects which is congenital in children. This disease is a congenital malformation of the brain, spinal cord and spinal cord. This disease occurs only in the first 5 weeks of pregnancy. An estimated 25,000 to 40,000 babies are born with neural tube defects every year in India. Which, among other problems, cause paralysis of the legs. Although experts believe that up to 85% of this congenital disease can be completely prevented. Because this disease occurs due to deficiency of folate or vitamin B9 in women of childbearing age.

A small tablet can prevent these birth defects in children Dr. Santosh Karmakar, Pediatric Surgeon, Spina Bifida Foundation, says that neural tube defect is the most common birth defect in India, it can be prevented with a simple folic acid tablet. Which women have to take 6 to 8 weeks before becoming pregnant; Because pregnancy is mostly unplanned, women of child-bearing age should be given folic acid supplements. Because most women are not even aware that they need to consume folic acid if they are planning to become pregnant. Dr Karmakar further adds that, to understand the gravity of this problem, the government needs to start a registry for birth defects. 30 years ago it was demonstrated that taking folic acid before pregnancy and in early pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects but awareness is still very low. This information was given during the free consultation, guidance and support program organized by the Foundation for spina bifida patients along with the Department of Pediatric Surgery at Dr Karmakar Loknayak Hospital. How much folic acid should be given to women To overcome folate deficiency, women should consume 400 micrograms of folic acid or vitamin B9 daily. For this, some foods can also be included in your diet. To overcome the deficiency of folate, women should consume more and more green vegetables and fruits and nuts in sufficient quantity before and during pregnancy, apart from this, folate tablets can also be taken on the advice of their doctor.