Spina bifida is one of the most common birth defects in the United States. Spina bifida results from an abnormality of the formation of the neural tube, which forms the spinal cord. There are four categories of spina bifida based on the type of abnormality: Spina Bifida Occulta, Spina Bifida Cystica (myelomeningocele), Meningocele, and Lipomeningocele. Spina Bifida Occulta is the least severe and also the most common type of spina bifida. Myelomeningocele is the most significant form of spina bifida.

One of the goals of Spina Bifida Awareness Month, which occurs in October, is to enhance the lives of those people affected by it. Proper nutrition is one way in which this is accomplished. Spina bifida affects people differently, so there are no "rules" or standards that hold true for everyone. There are, however, common secondary conditions that many people with spina bifida face. Knowing how to properly manage those secondary conditions by eating healthy and staying active can greatly improve quality of life.

To read the entire column, go to http://www.ncpad.org/777/4145/Nutrition~Spotlight~~~Nutritional~Considerations~for~Adults~
with~Spina~Bifida.