A Welcome Letter from NCFA

Welcome to the Web site of the National Council on Folic Acid (NCFA). We are a partnership of over 80 organizations devoted to promoting the benefits and consumption of folic acid

Folic acid is a B-vitamin that helps build healthy cells. Research has proven that, if taken before and during early pregnancy from a multi-vitamin or fortified foods, folic acid can prevent from 50% up to 70% of some forms of birth defects called neural tube defects. Emerging research shows that it also helps prevent other birth defects such as cleft lip, cleft palate and some heart defects. It may also reduce the risk of breast, cervical and colon cancer and cardiovascular disease and may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease

The members of NCFA work in a variety of ways to educate health care providers, policymakers and consumers about all these benefits of folic acid. Our Web site will link you to our members, highlighting their activities and programs and offering information about their available materials. In the future, the site will also contain information about NCFA’s committees and their projects, as well as information about legislation and advocacy efforts concerning folic acid.

Please take time to use the “Contact Us” function to give us feedback about our site. We are working to make this an informative resource for our visitors and look forward to your comments.

Adriane K. Griffen, MPH, CHES
Chair, National Council on Folic Acid

MISSION

To improve health by promoting the benefits and consumption of folic acid.