Publications
339 results found
Gow RV, Sumich A, Vallee-Tourangeau F, et al., 2013, Omega-3 fatty acids are related to abnormal emotion processing in adolescent boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, PROSTAGLANDINS LEUKOTRIENES AND ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS, Vol: 88, Pages: 419-429, ISSN: 0952-3278
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- Citations: 13
Gow RV, Vallee-Tourangeau F, Crawford MA, et al., 2013, Omega-3 fatty acids are inversely related to callous and unemotional traits in adolescent boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, PROSTAGLANDINS LEUKOTRIENES AND ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS, Vol: 88, Pages: 411-418, ISSN: 0952-3278
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- Citations: 21
Daak AA, Ghebremeskel K, Hassan Z, et al., 2013, Reply to UN Das., Am J Clin Nutr, Vol: 97, Pages: 1416-1417
Crawford MA, Wang Y, Forsyth S, et al., 2013, New European Food Safety Authority recommendation for infant formulae contradicts the physiology of human milk and infant development., Nutr Health, Vol: 22, Pages: 81-87, ISSN: 0260-1060
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded from a limited review of the literature that although docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was required for infant formula, arachidonic acid was not 'even in the presence of DHA'. The EFSA report mistakes a nutrient ubiquitous in the diets of infants, and with wide-ranging effects, for an optional drug targeted to a particular outcome that is properly excluded when no benefit is found for that particular outcome. The EFSA's conclusion is not evidence-based. Its conclusions are grounded in trials which tested functionality of DHA, not arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid has very different biological functions, for instance, in the vasculature and in specific aspects of immunity. None of the trials cited tested any property specific to arachidonic acid. The test of time through natural selection and human evolution has resulted in milk composition in which arachidonic acid and its long-chain polyenoic family members are conserved and occupy a prominent position. As DHA suppresses arachidonic acid, an infant formula with DHA and no arachidonic acid runs the risk of cardio- and cerebrovascular morbidity through suppression of the favourable eicosanoid derivatives of arachidonic acid and cell structural integrity. The EFSA recommendation should be rejected forthwith as unsafe and risking lifelong disability.
Crawford MA, 2013, Diet and cancer and heart disease., Nutr Health, Vol: 22, Pages: 67-78, ISSN: 0260-1060
The modern Western diet bears little resemblance to the diet which forged the human genome over many million years. The change in basic food structure is operating to distort biology even before conception and into late years, with the epidemic of obesity and diabetes likely to lead to stroke, heart disease, and now dementia, being flagged as a consequence. In addition, mental ill health is overtaking all other burdens of ill health, and almost certainly has its roots in early disturbance of brain development. Whilst lifestyle will be playing its part, there can be little doubt that the common denominator is the aberrations in food development, predominantly in the last century. It seems it is time to reassess food policy. The principle of food production should be nutrition and human health. The globalisation of a food structure linked to such disorders and their appearance globally in response asks that steps be taken to protect other countries from making the same mistakes.
Crawford MA, Broadhurst CL, Guest M, et al., 2013, A quantum theory for the irreplaceable role of docosahexaenoic acid in neural cell signalling throughout evolution, PROSTAGLANDINS LEUKOTRIENES AND ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS, Vol: 88, Pages: 5-13, ISSN: 0952-3278
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- Citations: 64
Daak AA, Ghebremeskel K, Hassan Z, et al., 2013, Effect of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid supplementation in patients with sickle cell anemia: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION, Vol: 97, Pages: 37-44, ISSN: 0002-9165
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- Citations: 75
Crawford MA, 2013, Non-communicable diseases, mental ill-health: Is it a failure of the food system?, Nutr Health, Vol: 22, Pages: 171-179, ISSN: 0260-1060
The rise in brain disorders and mental ill-health is the most serious crisis facing the survival of humanity. Starting from an understanding of the origins of the nervous system and the brain, together with its nutritional requirements, the present direction of the food system since World War II (WWII) can be seen as departing from the biological essence of brain chemistry and its nutritional needs. Such advances in the food system would lead to epigenetic changes. Improper maternal/foetal nutrition is considered in this manner to lead to heart disease, stroke and diabetes in later life. Is there any reason why the brain would not be similarly susceptible to a nutritional background departing from its specific needs? The changing food system likely bears responsibility for the rise in mental ill health that has now overtaken all other burdens of ill health. Its globalisation is threatening civil society.
Crawford MA, 2012, The crisis in nutrition and poverty., Nutr Health, Vol: 21, Pages: 205-208, ISSN: 0260-1060
Neville MM, Geppert J, Min Y, et al., 2012, Dietary fat intake, body composition and blood lipids of university men and women., Nutr Health, Vol: 21, Pages: 173-185, ISSN: 0260-1060
BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease rates are high in the U.K., particular in men, and are related to dietary fat intake. We conducted a pilot study to investigate relationships between saturated and unsaturated dietary fat intakes, body composition and blood lipid parameters in Caucasian men and women at university. METHODS: Volunteers (52 men and 52 women; age range 20-50 years) were recruited from staff and students of London Metropolitan University. Dietary intake, body composition, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose and lipids were assessed. Gender differences between the measured variables and their relationships were assessed by Mann-Whitney U-test, and by multi-linear (stepwise) regression, respectively. RESULTS: Men consumed more saturated fat (29.5 vs. 20.5 g/day, p < 0.001), and had elevated levels of glucose (5.34 + 0.74 vs. 4.85 + 0.49 mmol/l, p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (2.99 + 1.5 vs. 2.62+ 0.74 mmol/l, p < 0.05), systolic blood pressure (126.4 + 11.0 vs. 112.6 + 17.2 mm/Hg, p < 0.001), and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (1.41 ± 0.34 vs. 1.83 ± 0.43, p < 0.001). Saturated fat was positively associated with total body fat ( p < 0.05), trunk fat ( p < 0.001), HDL cholesterol ( p < 0.05) and systolic blood pressure ( p < 0.001) in women, while in men docosahexaenoic acid and total cholesterol ( p < 0.05), total omega-3 fatty acids and LDL cholesterol ( p < 0.001), total omega-3 fatty acids and triglycerides ( p < 0.01) were positively related. Similar n-3 fatty acid intakes were reported in nutritionally aware students and other university subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The data of this study indicate gender-related differences in response to dietary fat, and widespread low compliance with n-3 fatty acid recommendations. Although the men are highly health conscious and physically active, their blood lipid levels are indicative of a risk of cardiovascular disease. I
Msika O, Brand A, Crawford MA, et al., 2012, NGF blocks polyunsaturated fatty acids biosynthesis in n-3 fatty acid-supplemented PC12 cells., Biochim Biophys Acta, Vol: 1821, Pages: 1022-1030, ISSN: 0006-3002
Regulation of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) biosynthesis in proliferating and NGF-differentiated PC12 pheochromocytoma cells deficient in n-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA 22:6n-3) was studied. A dose- and time-dependent increase in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5n-3) and DHA in phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn) and phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) glycerophospholipids (GPL) via the elongation/desaturation pathway following alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) supplements was observed. That was accompanied by a marked reduction of eicosatrienoic acid (Mead acid 20:3n-9), an index of PUFA deficiency. EPA supplements were equally effective converted to 22:5n-3 and 22:6n-3. On the other hand, supplements of linoleic acid (LNA, 18:2n-6) were not effectively converted into higher n-6 PUFA intermediates nor did they impair elongation/desaturation of ALA. Co-supplements of DHA along with ALA did not interfere with 20:5n-3 biosynthesis but reduced further elongation to 22-hydrocarbon PUFA intermediates. A marked decrease in the newly synthesized 22:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 following ALA or EPA supplements was observed after nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced differentiation. NGF also inhibited the last step in 22:5n-6 formation from LNA. These results emphasize the importance of overcoming n-3 PUFA deficiency and raise the possibility that growth factor regulation of the last step in PUFA biosynthesis may constitute an important feature of neuronal phenotype acquisition.
Nyuar KB, Khalil AKH, Crawford MA, 2012, Dietary intake of Sudanese women: a comparative assessment of nutrient intake of displaced and non-displaced women., Nutr Health, Vol: 21, Pages: 131-144, ISSN: 0260-1060
OBJECTIVES: To determine the daily intake of essential micro- and macronutrients in Sudanese women, with specific focus on dietary fat and essential fatty acids, and compare the dietary intakes of internally displaced women with those of the non-displaced population. METHODS: Dietary intakes of displaced southern (n=44) and non-displaced southern (n=30) and northern (n=39) Sudanese women were obtained by single 24-hour recall method, and daily nutrient intakes were calculated using 'Foodbase' nutritional software. The displaced women were recruited from Mayo and Soba Aradi camps, south of Khartoum city; and non-displaced southern and northern Sudanese women were recruited from antenatal clinics, universities, hospitals and the community in Khartoum city and Omdurman, Sudan. RESULTS: Carbohydrates provided over 60% of dietary energy for all the Sudanese women groups. The displaced women had significantly lower intake of energy (1744 ± 344 kcal/d), starch (p<0.001) and carbohydrates (312 ± 11 g/d, p<0.01) than both non-displaced southern (1972 ± 229 kcal/d energy, 358 ± 56 g/d carbohydrates) and northern Sudanese women (1988 ± 226 kcal/d energy, 357 ± 56g/d carbohydrates). Fat intake was also lower in the displaced group (34.1 ± 11.9 g/d) than in the non-displaced counterpart (38.5 ± 10.2 g/d) (p<0.05), but was not significantly different from northern Sudanese women (37.6 ± 10.6, p>0.05). Intakes of iodine (33.60-56.96 µg/d), zinc (7.12-9.92 mg/d), retinol (226.1-349.7 µg/d), riboflavin (0.44-0.70 mg/d) and docosahexaenoic acid (11.70-33.49 mg/d) amongst Sudanese women were very low compared with recommendations. CONCLUSION: The Sudanese diet was less diverse and differences in energy and nutrients intakes between groups were due to the amounts of food consumed. This view is supported by a lack of significant differences when intakes were expressed as proportion of whole energy bet
Crawford MA, Broadhurst CL, 2012, The role of docosahexaenoic and the marine food web as determinants of evolution and hominid brain development: the challenge for human sustainability., Nutr Health, Vol: 21, Pages: 17-39, ISSN: 0260-1060
Life originated on this planet about 3 billion years ago. For the first 2.5 billion years of life there was ample opportunity for DNA modification. Yet there is no evidence of significant change in life forms during that time. It was not until about 600 million years ago, when the oxygen tension rose to a point where air-breathing life forms became thermodynamically possible, that a major change can be abruptly seen in the fossil record. The sudden appearance of the 32 phyla in the Cambrian fossil record was also associated with the appearance of intracellular detail not seen in previous life forms. That detail was provided by cell membranes made with lipids (membrane fats) as structural essentials. Lipids thus played a major, as yet unrecognised, role as determinants in evolution. The compartmentalisation of intracellular, specialist functions as in the nucleus, mitochondria, reticulo-endothelial system and plasma membrane led to cellular specialisation and then speciation. Thus, not only oxygen but also the marine lipids were drivers in the Cambrian explosion. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (all-cis-docosa-4,7,10,13,16,19-hexaenoic acid, C22:6ω3 or C22:6, n-3, DHA) is a major feature of marine lipids. It requires six oxygen atoms to insert its six double bonds, so it would not have been abundant before oxidative metabolism became plentiful. DHA provided the membrane backbone for the emergence of new photoreceptors that converted photons into electricity, laying the foundation for the evolution of other signalling systems, the nervous system and the brain. Hence, the ω3 DHA from the marine food web must have played a critical role in human evolution. There is also clear evidence from molecular biology that DHA is a determinant of neuronal migration, neurogenesis and the expression of several genes involved in brain growth and function. That same process was essential to the ultimate cerebral expansion in human evolution. There is now incontrovertible suppor
Nyuar KB, Ghebremeskel K, Crawford MA, 2012, Sudanese women's and neonates' vitamin A status., Nutr Health, Vol: 21, Pages: 45-55, ISSN: 0260-1060
We have determined and compared the concentration levels of retinol and β-carotene in the plasma of three Sudanese women groups (displaced southern Sudanese women (DSSW), non-displaced southern Sudanese (NDSSW) and northern Sudanese women (NSW)), who were either pregnant or non-pregnant; and in their neonates (cord plasma). Plasma samples were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography using reversed-phase column and diode-array detectors. The results revealed that retinol and β-carotene in the plasma of non-pregnant and pregnant women in the three groups were very low compared with studies reported elsewhere. Over 50% of pregnant DSSW and NDSSW had a low concentration of retinol plasma (< 0.70 µmol/L), and about 15-20% were deficient (< 0.35 µmol/L) according to World Health Organization criteria. Although the average retinol concentration in the plasma of pregnant NSW was > 0.70 µmol/L, which suggests sufficiency status, 32% showed lower levels and 10% were deficient. Plasma retinol β-carotene levels in the neonates' cords were also lower than their mothers and in comparison with other studies. These findings are in agreement with previous survey data and clinical reports, which also suggest that vitamin A deficiency is of great concern in the country. We concluded that insufficient intake of food of animal origin and repeated malarial and other parasitic diseases are the most likely causes of vitamin A deficiency.
Crawford MA, 2012, Pregnancy/Maternity and Child Development: The Challenge to Meet the Needs for the Brain and Sustainability of Homo Sapiens, ANNALS OF NUTRITION AND METABOLISM, Vol: 61, Pages: 323-323, ISSN: 0250-6807
Broadhurst CL, Crawford M, Munro S, 2011, Littoral man and Waterside woman: The Crucial role of Marine and Lacustrine foods and Environmental Resources in the origin, Migration and Dominance of homo Sapiens, Was Man More Aquatic in the Past? Fifty Years After Alister Hardy - Waterside Hypotheses of Human Evolution, Pages: 16-35, ISBN: 9781608053551
The ability to exploit and thrive on a wide variety of foodstuffs from diverse environments is a hallmark of Homo sapiens. Humans are particularly well adapted to exploit waterside environments, where they can forage in areas offering protection from both terrestrial and aquatic predators. Humans are able to walk, run, climb, wade, swim and dive, and our research indicates that the most parsimonious explanation for this combination of locomotor traits, and for Man's current anatomy, physiology, nutritional requirements and unique intellect is evolution in a littoral environment. This model is consistent with the location and presumed palaeoecologies of all early Homo fossils and artifacts, and could help explain the rapid dispersal of Homo in the early Pleistocene (2.56-0.78 million years ago (Ma)), the colonization of Australia and Indonesia in the middle Pleistocene (0.78-0.13 Ma), and the rapid dispersal of Homo sapiens in the late Pleistocene (0.13-0.012 Ma). Reliance on the aquatic food chain is also a facile method for providing consistently abundant brain-specific nutrition for all members of a group or society, thus facilitating the development of the technology and culture that is uniquely human. © 2011 Bentham Science Publishers. All rights reserved.
Crawford M, 2011, Brain essentials, NEW SCIENTIST, Vol: 212, Pages: 32-32, ISSN: 0262-4079
Daak AA, Ghebremeskel K, Elbashir MI, et al., 2011, Hydroxyurea therapy mobilises arachidonic Acid from inner cell membrane aminophospholipids in patients with homozygous sickle cell disease., J Lipids, Vol: 2011
The cytotoxic compound hydroxyurea (HU) is effective therapy for sickle cell disease. However, its effect on unsaturated membrane lipids is unknown. Red cell fatty acids were investigated in HU-treated (n = 19) and HU-untreated (n = 17) sickle cell patients and controls (n = 20). The HU-treated compared with the HU-untreated patients had lower arachidonic (AA) acid level in ethanolamine, physphoglycerids (EPG) (22.9 ± 1.2 versus 24.0 ± 1.1%, P < 0.05) serine SPG (22.13 ± 2.2 versus 24.9 ± 2.3%, P < 0.01) phosphoglycerides. The treated patients and controls had comparable levels of docosahexaenoic (DHA) and total n-3 fatty acids in EPG and choline phosphoglycerides (CPG). In contrast, the untreated group had significantly (P < 0.05) lower DHA and total n-3 compared with the controls in EPG (2.7 ± 0.4 versus 3.2 ± 0.6% and 4.6 ± 0.5 versus 5.2 ± 0.7%) and CPG (0.7 ± 0.2 versus 1.0 ± 0.2% and 1.2 ± 0.2 versus 1.4 ± 0.3). HU is known to activate cytosolic phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase 2, and from this study, it appears to induce mobilisation of AA from the inner cell membrane EPG and SPG. Hence, eicosanoids generated from the released AA may play a role in clinical improvements which occur in HU-treated patients.
Kuipers RS, Luxwolda MF, Dijck-Brouwer DAJ, et al., 2010, Estimated macronutrient and fatty acid intakes from an East African Paleolithic diet, BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION, Vol: 104, Pages: 1666-1687, ISSN: 0007-1145
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- Citations: 90
Brand A, Crawford MA, Yavin E, 2010, Retailoring docosahexaenoic acid-containing phospholipid species during impaired neurogenesis following omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid deprivation., J Neurochem, Vol: 114, Pages: 1393-1404
Diminished levels of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3), the major fatty acid (FA) synthesized from alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3), have been implicated in functional impairment in the developing and adult brain. We have now examined the changes in phospholipid (PL) molecular species in the developing postnatal cortex, a region recently shown to be affected by a robust aberration in neuronal cell migration, after maternal diet alpha-linolenic acid deprivation (Yavin et al. (2009)Neuroscience162(4),1011). The frontal cortex PL composition of 1- to 4-week-old rats was analyzed by gas chromatography and electrospray ionization/tandem mass spectrometry. Changes in the cortical PL molecular species profile by dietary means appear very specific as 22:6n-3 was exclusively substituted by docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-6). However, molecular species were conserved with respect to the combination of specific polar head groups (i.e. ethanolamine and serine) in sn-3 and defined saturated/mono-unsaturated FA in sn-1 position even when the sn-2 FA moiety underwent diet-induced changes. Our results suggest that substitution of docosahexaenoic acid by docosapentaenoic acid is tightly regulated presumably to maintain a proper biophysical characteristic of membrane PL molecular species. The importance of this conservation may underscore the possible biochemical consequences of this substitution in regulating certain functions in the developing brain.
Brough L, Rees GA, Crawford MA, et al., 2010, Effect of multiple-micronutrient supplementation on maternal nutrient status, infant birth weight and gestational age at birth in a low-income, multi-ethnic population, BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION, Vol: 104, Pages: 437-445, ISSN: 0007-1145
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- Citations: 51
Kirby A, Woodward A, Jackson S, et al., 2010, The association of fatty acid deficiency symptoms (FADS) with actual essential fatty acid status in cheek cells, PROSTAGLANDINS LEUKOTRIENES AND ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS, Vol: 83, Pages: 1-8, ISSN: 0952-3278
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- Citations: 4
Crawford MA, Wang Y, Lehane C, 2010, Chapter 6. Fatty acid ratios in free living and domestic animals., Modern Dietary Fat Intakes in Disease Promotion, Editors: Watson, De Meester, Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media, ISBN: 9781603275712
The series volumes are not the outcome of a symposium. Rather, each editor has the potential to examine a chosen area with a broad perspective, both in subject matter and in the choice of chapter authors.
Crawford MA, 2010, Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Human Brain Evolution, Human Brain Evolution: The Influence of Freshwater and Marine Food Resources, Pages: 13-31, ISBN: 9780470452684
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- Citations: 19
Wang Y, Lehane C, Ghebremeskel K, et al., 2010, Modern organic and broiler chickens sold for human consumption provide more energy from fat than protein, PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION, Vol: 13, Pages: 400-408, ISSN: 1368-9800
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- Citations: 41
Kirby A, Woodward A, Jackson S, et al., 2010, Childrens' learning and behaviour and the association with cheek cell polyunsaturated fatty acid levels, RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, Vol: 31, Pages: 731-742, ISSN: 0891-4222
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- Citations: 31
Kirby A, Woodward A, Jackson S, et al., 2010, A double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigating the effects of omega-3 supplementation in children aged 8-10 years from a mainstream school population, RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, Vol: 31, Pages: 718-730, ISSN: 0891-4222
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- Citations: 77
Crawford MA, Wang Y, Lehane C, et al., 2010, Fatty Acid Ratios in Free-Living and Domestic Animals, MODERN DIETARY FAT INTAKES IN DISEASE PROMOTION, Editors: DeMeester, Zibadi, Watson, Publisher: SPRINGER-VERLAG BERLIN, Pages: 95-108, ISBN: 978-1-60327-570-5
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- Citations: 17
Caraveo-Patino J, Wang Y, Soto LA, et al., 2009, Eco-physiological repercussions of dietary arachidonic acid in cell membranes of active tissues of the Gray whale, MARINE ECOLOGY-AN EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE, Vol: 30, Pages: 437-447, ISSN: 0173-9565
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- Citations: 11
Brough L, Rees GA, Crawford MA, et al., 2009, Social and ethnic differences in folic acid use preconception and during early pregnancy in the UK: effect on maternal folate status., J Hum Nutr Diet, Vol: 22, Pages: 100-107
BACKGROUND: The role of folate supplementation in preventing neural tube defects is well known; however, preconception supplement use continues to be low, especially amongst the socially disadvantaged. The present study explored periconception folic acid supplement use in a socially deprived, ethnically diverse population. METHODS: Pregnant women (n = 402) in the first trimester of pregnancy were recruited in East London. Using a researcher led questionnaire, details were obtained regarding social class, ethnicity and folic acid use. Red cell folate levels were determined for 367 participants during the first trimester. RESULTS: Although 76% of participants reported using folic acid supplements during the first trimester, only 12% started preconception and a further 17% started before neural tube closure. Mothers from higher social groups or with higher levels of education were more likely to use folic acid and started taking it earlier. Ethnic differences were also seen in preconception usage (Africans, 5%; West Indians, 8%; Asians, 12%; Caucasians, 19%; P = 0.038). Participants who took folic acid supplements had significantly higher mean (SD) red cell folate concentrations than those who took none [936 (*\1.6) and 579 (*\1.6) nmol L(-1), respectively; P < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: Folic acid supplement use preconception and prior to neural tube closure continues to be low, exhibiting both social and ethnic disparities.
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