Abstracts » Health

Lipoic acid prevention of neural tube defects in offspring of rats with streptozocin-induced diabetes

Article Abstract:

The antioxidant drug lipoic acid may prevent neural tube defects in the babies of diabetic pregnant women. The babies of diabetic pregnant women have a high risk of developing birth defects, and free radicals are suspected of causing the damage. Researchers gave a group of pregnant diabetic rats lipoic acid or a placebo for 17 days. The rats were killed and their fetuses were examined. Rats who received lipoic acid had normal placentas, whereas the rats in the placebo group had abnormal placentas. Fetuses whose mothers were treated with lipoic acid were much less likely to have neural tube defects.

Antioxidants, Antioxidants (Nutrients), Diabetes in pregnancy, Gestational diabetes

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Trends and predictors of folic acid awareness and preconceptional use in pregnant women

Article Abstract:

The study describes recent trends in folic acid awareness and use in the periconceptional period among pregnant women in relation to maternal sociodemographic and other relevant factors. Promotion of the use of folic acid supplements is essential to further decrease the prevalence of neural tube defects.

United States, Science & research, Research, Pregnancy, Complications of, Pregnancy complications

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Comparative use and knowledge of preconceptional folic acid among Spanish- and English-speaking patient populations in Phoenix and Yuma, Arizona

Article Abstract:

Many Spanish-speaking women and those with less than a high school education may not be aware of the need for folic acid supplements to prevent neural tube defects. Neural tube defect means the spinal column that protects the spinal cord is not completely formed at birth.

Public opinion

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