In the early stages of pregnancy, we are always advised to take a folic acid supplement, and there's a good reason why we should.
According to the NHS, folic acid is vital for the development of a healthy foetus, and it can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida.
The health body recommends a daily supplement of 400 micrograms of folic acid while you're trying to conceive and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
However, many women do not take folic acid, particularly if the pregnancy is unplanned.
To help reduce the risk of birth defects, it has been suggested that flour should be fortified with folic acid.
The idea to fortify flour has already been adopted by 80 countries around the world.
And it seems that ministers at home are backing the suggestion, according to the Guardian.
The publication has said it could be a matter of weeks for the policy to be implemented.
Speaking to the newspaper, Kate Steele, chief executive of the charity, Shine said: “Mandatory fortification will be a game-changer for the UK.
Shine helps families affected by neural tube defects and Kate added: “ a Government decision to introduce mandatory fortification will mean a major positive impact for the health and well-being of babies born in the future.
"In many cases, it will be the difference between life and death.”
Public Health England also said that adding folic acid to flour “is an effective and safe measure to reduce the number of pregnancies affected by neural tube defects”.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Social Care added to the newspaper that: “Ministers are considering expert advice and will respond in due course.”
The NHS, also recommends eating an abundance of leafy green vegetables, brown rice, granary bread, and fortified breakfast cereals to help with your folic acid levels during pregnancy.
However, they also warned that you cannot obtain enough folic acid from your diet alone, so a supplement is the only way to ensure you get the recommended daily allowance.
