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Folic Acid to be Added to Flour

The UK government will add folic acid to flour to reduce birth defects.

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English

United Kingdom

HealthGovernmentPolicyFoodPrevention

Department Of Health And Social Care (Dhsc)Nhs

Andrew GwynneChris WhittyMerron

What are the projected benefits of this measure?: It's estimated that this measure will prevent about 200 cases of neural tube defects each year and save the NHS \u00a320 million over 10 years.
Who supports this initiative and what are their views?: Public health minister Andrew Gwynne and other officials support this initiative, highlighting its simplicity and effectiveness in improving babies' health and giving them the best start in life.
What substance will be added to flour in the UK and when?: Folic acid, a synthetic form of vitamin B9, will be added to non-wholemeal wheat flour in the UK from the end of 2026.
What is the main purpose of adding this substance to flour?: The addition of folic acid aims to prevent neural tube defects in babies, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, which affect hundreds of babies annually.
Why is this measure particularly beneficial for women with unplanned pregnancies?: While folic acid supplements are recommended for women trying to conceive, fortifying flour provides a higher baseline intake, especially for unplanned pregnancies.

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