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The Role of Folic Acid in Oral Clefting

Maxillofacial Unit, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter, UK

H. M. Illing, M.SC., M.ORTH., F.D.S.R.C.S.

Maxillofacial Unit, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, Portsmouth, UK

J. R. Sandy, PH.D., M.ORTH., F.D.S.R.C.S., F.D.S.R.C.S., F.F.D.R.C.S.I.^*

Division of Child Dental Health, University of Bristol Dental School, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol BS1 2LY, UK

The objective of this study is to describe the role of periconceptional folic acid supplementation and assess it's potential in the prevention of foetal abnormalities, and consists of a review of the literature undertaken using an electronic and hand search. This includes research trials and methodology associated with folic acid supplementation.

It is recommended that all women planning to conceive should supplement their diet with folic acid in order to prevent abnormalities in neural tube development, particularly if there is a history of a previously affected pregnancy. There is increasing evidence that folic acid supplementation may, in addition, reduce the incidence of oral facial clefting. Further research with multi-disciplinary approaches in biochemistry, genetics, gene/environment interactions, and embryology are indicated.

Refereed Paper

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: Jonathan.Sandy{at}bris.ac.uk

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