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Folate Fruit

This is the first of at least 2 key maternal dietary requirements for normal neural development.

Research over the last 20 years had suggested a relationship between maternal diet and the birth of an affected infant.

Recent scientific evidence has confirmed that folic acid (folate), a water soluble vitamin, found in many fruits (particularly oranges, berries and bananas), leafy green vegetables, cereals and legumes, can prevent the majority of neural tube defects.

In Australia and other countries foods such as flour, bread or cereals are now fortified with folate (see report Neural tube defects in Australia: prevalence before mandatory folic acid fortification (2011).

By the way, the second key identified maternal dietary requirement is iodine, not found generally in the same foodstuffs.

Links: Folic Acid and Neural Tube Defects