SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 792
WHEREAS, Sufficient folic acid in women's diets before and
during pregnancy can reduce the risk of birth defects of the
brain and spinal cord known as neural tube defects; in the United
States, neural tube defects occur in about one out of every 1,000
pregnancies; and
WHEREAS, Studies have shown that neural tube defects can be
prevented if women consume the proper amounts of folic acid
before becoming pregnant and during early pregnancy; and
WHEREAS, The Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition
Board, the United States Public Health Service, and the United
States Preventive Services Task Force have recommended that
women who are of reproductive age should consume 400 micrograms
of synthetic folic acid every day from a vitamin or from
fortified foods, in addition to eating a healthy diet rich in
natural sources of folate; and
WHEREAS, The March of Dimes found that while public
awareness is improving, many women still do not know the benefits
of regularly consuming folic acid; 84 percent of women have heard
of folic acid; 39 percent take a daily vitamin containing it; 20
percent know that folic acid prevents birth defects, and 11
percent know it should be taken before pregnancy; and
WHEREAS, The March of Dimes found that health
professionals have not been the main source of women's
information about folic acid and of women's awareness about folic
acid; 49 percent of women have learned about it from the media,
and 33 percent received their information from their physician or
other health care provider; and
WHEREAS, A public education campaign about the value of
folic acid in the diets of women of childbearing age would raise
awareness of this vital health issue and inform citizens
throughout the state, as well as state agencies, boards, and task
forces, about how women can lower their risk for birth defects;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
Legislature, hereby support a public education campaign on the
importance of folic acid in the diets of women of childbearing
age in order to help prevent neural tube and other birth defects;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
those working to increase public awareness about folic acid as an
expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
Jackson
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 14, 2011.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate