Final answer:
Fortification of grain products with folate has helped reduce the prevalence rate of neural tube defects, as well as the prevalence of macrocytic anemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Folate, one of the B vitamins, is important to the healthy development of the neural tube. A deficiency of maternal folate in the first weeks of pregnancy can result in neural tube defects, including spina bifida—a birth defect in which spinal tissue protrudes through the newborn's vertebral column, which has failed to completely close.
Fortification of grain products with folate has helped reduce the prevalence rate of neural tube defects. Additionally, it has also been found to reduce the prevalence of macrocytic anemia.
Macrocytic anemia is a type of anemia characterized by enlarged red blood cells. It occurs when there is a deficiency of folate or vitamin B12 in the body. Fortifying grain products with folate helps to ensure an adequate intake of this vitamin and prevents the development of macrocytic anemia.