Could adding folic acid to salt prevent birth defects in zambia?
NCT ID NCT06734611
First seen Nov 01, 2025 · Last updated Jun 22, 2026 · Updated 31 times
Summary
This study tests whether adding folic acid to iodized salt can raise folate levels in women of childbearing age in Zambia, a country without mandatory folic acid fortification. Two hundred fifty non-pregnant, non-lactating women aged 18–45 will use the fortified salt instead of regular salt for six months. Researchers will measure folate in blood samples at several points to see if levels increase enough to help prevent neural tube defects in future pregnancies.
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This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia
Lusaka, 10101, Zambia
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, 35294, United States
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
folic acid fortified iodized salt
What this could lead to
If effective, this simple salt fortification could offer an affordable way to prevent serious birth defects in countries without existing folic acid programs.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage study (250 women) in one country. Results may not apply elsewhere, and the salt's taste or color might reduce long-term use.
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.