Periconceptional Use of Multivitamins and the Prevalence of Neural-Tube Defects

Halsted, CH; Milunsky, A; Jick, H; Jick, SS; Willett, W; Mulinare, J; Cordero, JF; Erickson, JD; Berry, RJ; Mills, JL; Rhoads, GG; Hoffman, HT; Simpson, JL; Cunningham, GC; Lassman, MR

To the Editor: Although the Journal's policy on the publication of negative results (Aug. 17 issue)1 is laudable, I cannot agree with Dr. Angell's assessment that the chosen example of a negative study2 was “carefully designed and analyzed.” At least three flaws in the study of Mills et al. on the periconceptional use of vitamins and neural-tube defects2 are serious enough to render its results and conclusions untenable. First, a reliable memory in each study subject is an essential requirement for a retrospective study. Yet, it is difficult to believe that a distraught and probably guilt-ridden mother of a… © 1990, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.

Periconceptional Use of Multivitamins and the Prevalence of Neural-Tube Defects Letter