Could adding folic acid to salt prevent birth defects in zambia?

NCT ID NCT06734611

Recruiting now Prevention Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 2 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.

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

central nervous system malformation Folic Acid Deficiency folic acid deficiency anemia Malnutrition neural tube defect spina bifida neural tube defects, susceptibility to prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

FOLATE DEFICIENCY NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia
RECRUITING

Lusaka, 10101, Zambia
University of Alabama at Birmingham
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Birmingham, Alabama, 35294, United States

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