Sex differences in the prevalence of neural tube defects and preventive effects of folic acid (FA) supplementation among five counties in northern China: results from a population-based birth defect surveillance programme

摘要

ObjectivesSex differences in prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) have previously been recognised; however, the different susceptibility of men and women have not been examined in relation to the effects of folic acid (FA) supplementation. We hypothesised that FA may have a disproportionate effect that alters the sex-specific prevalence of NTDs.