Multivitamin use among non-pregnant females of childbearing age in the Western North Carolina multivitamin distribution program.

Background: Daily consumption of 400 mcg of folic acid prior to conception and throughout the first trimester of pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) by 50%-80%. A daily multivitamin with folic acid can ensure that females receive the recommended amount of folic acid during childbearing years.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if vitamin consumption is influenced by providing a free bottle of multivitamins to non-pregnant women of childbearing age during a face-to-face interaction with a health care provider in health departments.