Decline in the Prevalence of Spina Bifida and Anencephaly by Race/Ethnicity: 1995–2002

The results of this study suggest that folic acid fortification is associated with significant decreases in the prevalence of spina bifida and anencephaly among non-Hispanic white and Hispanic births. The magnitude of the reduction was similar between these 2 groups and was more pronounced for spina bifida than for anencephaly. The decline in the prevalence of spina bifida and anencephaly among non-Hispanic black births did not reach statistical significance. Efforts to increase folic acid consumption for the prevention of NTDs in pregnancies among women of all races/ethnicities should be continued, and studies to identify and elucidate other risk factors for NTDs are warranted.