Ed. Note:  The following is a press release from Jamieson Laboratories.

August 31, 2006 --  Today's edition of the Globe and Mail reports on
research from the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Canada, whereby
studies have concluded that when one takes a prenatal multivitamin on a daily
basis one can sharply cut the likelihood of a wide range of severe birth
defects, even beyond neural-tube defects such as spina bifida.

Women can greatly reduce the risk of having a baby with neural tube
defects by supplementing their diet with a pre-natal supplement. Folic acid is
important for the healthy development of a baby's spine, brain and skull. All
of Jamieson Laboratories' multivitamin formulations contain the recommended
daily requirement of this important essential nutrient.

Neural tube defects in a baby occur in the first four weeks of pregnancy,
sometimes before a woman knows she is pregnant. However, the risk of having a
baby with neural tube defects such as spina bifida can be reduced by taking a
daily pre-natal supplement. The study shows that taking a multivitamin results
in a 48% reduction in neural-tube defects; 39% drop in cardiovascular defects;
47% lower rate of limb deformities; 58% decrease in urinary-tract defects and
a 63% drop in hydrocephalus (a dangerous accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid
on the brain).

"It is challenging for women to get their daily requirement of folic acid
from their diet," said Michelle Ginsler, registered dietitian. "Women who
could become pregnant should take a multivitamin containing 0.4 milligrams of
folic acid every day. Folic acid is an essential B vitamin that promotes
normal blood cell formation and is required for cellular division and DNA
synthesis."

In addition to their wide range of multivitamin formulations, Jamieson
has a targeted pre-natal vitamin and mineral complex formulated with one mg of
folic acid. This is a nutritionally balanced formula for the requirements of
an expecting mother and supplies the fetus with the proper nutrients for
healthy development. In addition the formula contains chelated minerals to
allow for easier digestion and assimilation of important minerals like iron.
This is important and unique to this formulation because high iron content in
pre-natal supplements can often cause gastrointestinal symptoms. As well it is
prepared in a natural source nutrient base of peppermint, digestive enzymes
and co-nutrient Vitamin C factors. Jamieson's gentle formula is designed to
prevent nausea and vomiting from happening during pregnancy and is designed
with the necessary requirements of vitamins and minerals to ensure optimum
health for mother and baby.

Established in 1922, Jamieson Laboratories is Canada's largest
manufacturer and distributor of advanced natural health-care products.
Jamieson's state-of-the-art pharmaceutical manufacturing laboratories are
located in Windsor, Ontario. The company is a world leader in the vitamin and
nutrition industry, exporting to over 45 countries including the USA, China,
Japan, Hong Kong, Korea and Singapore. For more information, please visit the
Jamieson Laboratories website at www.jamiesonvitamins.com.

 

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