CHICAGO (American Academy of Pediatrics) -- Despite mandatory fortification of foods with folic acid, young minority women do not get enough folic acid and should be counseled to take a daily multivitamin.

According to the study, "Neural Tube Defects: Knowledge and Preconceptional Prevention Practices in Minority Young Women," healthcare providers need to reinforce daily adherence to multivitamin use for the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs).

The study found public health clinics are an invaluable resource of information on the prevention of NTDs in minority young women.