As the Government regulation for the fortification of non-wholemeal flour with folic acid, came into force on 14 November along with extensive press coverage of the story, the Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA) says it will continue to push the message that women planning a pregnancy or recently becoming pregnant should continue to use a folic acid supplement at the recommended dose of 400 mcg.
The association says that women would need to consume around 10 slices of bread a day to achieve achieve levels recommended to help prevent these birth defects, if this was their main source of the vitamin.
England’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Chris Whitty welcomed the plans to fortify foods, but also commented that supplementation should still be used.
In the Government press release he said: “The fortification of flour is a simple and effective way to help to reduce cases of neural tube defects, although it is important that women who are pregnant or intending to become pregnant continue to take folic acid supplements before and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.”
The HFMA believes that the supplementation message needs to be a continual process and says it will continue to push that message with government departments and policy makers.
Martin Last, HFMA director general, commented: “Fortification of flour with folic acid is a step forward in helping to prevent neural tube defects, however we will continue to encourage the Government for an ongoing education programme to highlight the importance for pregnant women or those planning a pregnancy, to take a supplement of folic acid up to week 12 of their pregnancy.”
The HFMA also see the extensive coverage this story has received as a valuable opportunity for health food stores to be a key part of the education process helping women prepare for a healthy pregnancy. Theresa Cutts, HFMA PR and marketing consultant commented: “Health food stores are often at the heart of the community and get to know their customers well. This is a perfect opportunity for retailers to help educate and inform by talking to customers about the importance of supplementation and the benefits of a healthy diet especially when there is such high-profile coverage of the new legislation.”
Photo by Daniel Diesenreither on Unsplash
