Folate is a B-vitamin normally found in foods like green leafy vegetables, liver and asparagus, among other sources. During pregnancy, a woman’s folate requirement increases from 400 to 600 micrograms (mcg) per day. Results of extensive research have shown that adequate consumption of folate before and during pregnancy may reduce the risk of bearing a child with neural tube defect by up to 80 percent.

Anmum, a brand of milk for pregnant women, is the formula used during the clinical trial undertaken by doctors at the Otago University in New Zealand. Results of the trial showed that regular consumption of Anmum significantly improves folate levels among women of child-bearing age.

"The results of the clinical tests is a breakthrough in maternal care," says Laiza Filart, brand manager of New Zealand Milk Philippines. "This is a proof that could have significant impact on the health of babies. As a company committed to promoting health of mothers and children, we are delighted to share results of this landmark study with doctors and mothers, in order to help ensure healthy development of babies while they are still in their mother’s womb."

Based on the results of the study, Anmum is now the only milk powder proven by doctors to improve the folate level of women within child-bearing age and reduce the risk of bearing a child with neural tube defect.

Anmum helps in baby’s brain development while still inside the womb because it is high in folate and in Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) that strengthen the walls of baby’s brain.

The study, conducted among 73 women aged 18 to 47 including Asian women, was undertaken by doctors at the Otago University in New Zealand to see if consumption of Anmum will increase folate status of women in child-bearing age. The subjects were asked to drink the maternal milk daily for three months.

Results of the study showed that red blood folate concentrations increased by 49 percent among women who consumed Anmum over the 12-week period. Women who drank Anmum had 72 percent better red blood cell folate status than women who drank ordinary milk. The findings demonstrate that Anmum significantly improves folate status in women of childbearing age, thus ensuring healthy development of baby’s brain.

A study conducted among pregnant women in the Philippines indicated that 21 percent of women during the first trimester of pregnancy had red blood cell folate status that was below normal. The local study also revealed that 12 percent of all pregnant women had low folate status.