Verellene -
Spina bifida has the highest occurence amongst those of Gaelic descent. Some studies seem to indicate that it occurs most commonly for women whose ancestors are from the British Isles. (this seems to be the global statistic.) In the US, I remember reading that spina bifida is most common in the Hispanic population, although my facts could be wrong on that. Spina bifida is least commonly seen in children of african descent.
Mixed race marriages, if one of the spouses is Caucausian also has an increased incidence. So some doctors do prescribe an increase in folic acid for those who may be at an increased risk. In HK, a couple of my girlfriends are married to Brits and their doctors have told them to take more folic acid while TTC and during their pregnancy.
the following exerpt is from this website.
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what causes spina bifida?
Doctors do not know the exact cause of spina bifida but believe that both genetic and environmental factors are involved. Spina bifida manifesta is most common among babies who are born to women whose ancestors came from the British Isles. It is much less common among babies who are born to women whose ancestors came from Africa.2 Women who have had one child with spina bifida are more likely to have another child with spina bifida.