Nutrients
Folic Acid Supplementation Adherence During Pregnancy: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Survey in Italy
By Francesca Licata, Concetta Arianna Scicchitano, Lucrezia Amodei and 1 others.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation is a cornerstone of primary prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs). However, adequate preconceptional FA intake remains suboptimal in Italy. This study aimed to assess FA use among pregnant women in the Calabria region, determine whether their intake met United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations, and explore potential predictors that shape these practices.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women using face-to-face interviews. The adequacy of FA intake was based on the USPSTF guidelines, which recommend a daily FA intake of 400–800 μg, starting at least one month before conception and continuing through the first two to three months of pregnancy.