The UK government is now requiring non-wholemeal wheat flour to be fortified with folic acid to help reduce birth defects, particularly conditions like spina bifida.
This change is expected to prevent around 200 cases of neural tube defects each year and improve the health of pregnant women. Flour producers have until the end of 2026 to meet this new legal requirement.
While it’s important for expectant mothers and women planning to get pregnant to continue taking folic acid supplements, this new rule will boost folic acid intake for everyone, especially those who may not always take supplements.
Folic acid helps the baby’s brain, skull, and spine develop properly during early pregnancy.
Experts, including those from Australia and Canada, who already use this practice, are happy with the UK’s decision.
However, some experts feel the change doesn’t go far enough, saying it should apply to more foods to help even more people.
For example, people who eat a lot of rice or gluten-free foods may miss out on these benefits.
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is found in common foods like beans and leafy vegetables, so most people get enough if they eat a healthy diet.
But the government advises women trying to conceive to take folic acid supplements for several months before and after pregnancy.
Since many pregnancies in the UK are unplanned, this new rule will ensure that more women, especially those who don’t take supplements, get the right amount of folic acid, better protecting unborn babies.
This adds to the already existing practice of fortifying flour with other nutrients like calcium and iron. Some smaller flour mills are exempt from the new rule.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c206d60xe7no