Fortify Your Future/Fortifique Su Futuro (FYF)
The Spina Bifida Resource Network (SBRN), with funding support from the State of NJ’s Office for the Prevention of Developmental Disabilities, has initiated a new program, called “Fortify Your Future”/“Fortifique Su Futuro.” FYF aims to raise awareness among adolescent girls and young women of childbearing age, especially in Hispanic communities, of the need for folic acid and other vitamins before becoming pregnant. Additionally, this project endeavors to increase their nutritional intake of vitamins such as folic acid, iron and B-12, in order to improve their own health and to reduce their chances of having children with disabilities.
Research has shown that folic acid, taken before and during pregnancy, can help reduce the risk of birth defects such as neural tube defects, and it has also been linked to greater intelligence and motor skills in children. Though it is well known amongst many professionals dealing with developmental disabilities that folic acid and other nutrients can prevent birth defects and disabilities, it is not so well known to the public, nor is it consistently or frequently addressed by healthcare providers. Furthermore, studies suggest that it is even less well known in the Hispanic population.
Although many food products in the U.S., such as cereals and flours, have been fortified with folic acid, few adolescent girls and young women truly understand why these measures were taken. Additionally, these products are not necessarily being consumed by those in the Hispanic population. Foods such as corn masa flour are not enriched and traditional Hispanic diets often do not include foods high in folate, such as leafy greens and broccoli. According to the CDC, the incidence of neural tube defects is 1.5 to 3 times higher for Hispanic/Latina women, which is likely related to the lack of natural folate in the diet, along with the lack of awareness of the importance of folic acid.
This project seeks to address these issues by providing bilingual educational materials to girls and young women, with a special emphasis on reaching Hispanics/Latinas. These materials will not only educate on the necessity of folic acid and other vitamins before pregnancy, but will also provide information on how to achieve this. Participants will be given packets with information on folic acid supplements and foods high in folate, as well as recipes that adapt traditional Spanish recipes to include folate-rich foods and other healthy alternatives. As an incentive, if they read through the information and respond to some questions, they will be provided with a package with folate-rich foods such as dried beans.
Information will be distributed through health centers, clinics, and other organizations serving young women. Staff will be trained on the benefits of folic acid which will help to increase awareness among healthcare providers. In addition, we will have web-based information available to discussthe benefits of healthy, nutrient-rich eating.
For information on the Fortify Your Future/Fortifique Su Futuro Program, please contact SBRN at (908) 782-7475 or .