Online Program

Oral

This year's recipient of the March of Dimes Agnes Higgins Award is Dr. Gary M. Shaw. In this overview presentation he will describe several facets of our understanding about nutrition and risks of human birth defects. The presentation will focus on three primary areas: a) the biologic mechanisms that have been explored to explain how folic acid works to prevent neural tube defects, b) the broader list of macro-/micronutrients that have been studied as factors influencing risks of birth defects more generally, and c) how nutrition-related phenomena beyond single nutrients contribute to risks of human birth defects. Despite our success with folic acid and prevention of neural tube defects, there is much research still needed. Birth defects result in substantial mortality and morbidity as well as high emotional and economic costs, further scientific understanding leading to possible prevention would greatly benefit society.

Session Objectives: 1. Understand biologic (genetic and immune) mechanisms that have been explored to explain how folic acid works to prevent neural tube defects. 2. Understand the broader list of macro-/micronutrients that have been studied as factors influencing risks of birth defects. 3. Understand that nutrition-related phenomena beyond single nutrients contribute to risks of birth defects.