Future Pharmacists Need More Detailed Education on Folic Acid

Future Pharmacists Need More Detailed Education on Folic Acid

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill.--While the majority of pharmacy students are aware that folic acid is necessary for preventing birth defects, a surprising number of them do not know the recommended dosage or the best sources for the nutrient, according to a survey conducted over a three-year period by researchers at Midwestern University. The survey results are published in the March issue of the Journal of Nutrition (132:439-42, 2002) (www.nutrition.org).

Of 98 students enrolled in a PharmD program, almost all (94 percent) were aware that folic acid prevents birth defects. Of these students, most (74 percent) also knew that supplementation should begin before pregnancy. However, only 55 percent of students were able to identify the recommended daily allowance for the vitamin, which is set by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) at 400 mcg/d for adults, 600 mcg/d for pregnant women and 500 mcg/d for lactating mothers. And, only 58 percent to 65 percent of students could name a good food source of folic acid, which include liver, lentils and peanuts.

Researchers concluded that although future pharmacists seem to be taught that folic acid prevents birth defects, not enough of them are learning the specific details they will need to effectively counsel women in clinical situations.