Menu
21/09/2021
Folic Acid To Be Added To Flour
Folic acid to be added to flour to help prevent life-threatening spinal conditions in babies, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
The Northern Ireland Executive in line with the rest of the UK, has agreed that folic acid should be added to non-wholemeal wheat flour. This will mean that foods made with flour, such as bread, will actively help avoid potentially life-threatening spinal conditions in babies every year.
Announcing the public health measure, Health Minister Robin Swann said: "The importance of folic acid at pre-conception and during pregnancy is well-evidenced. In Northern Ireland we have a higher incidence of birth defects due to folic acid deficiency, which disproportionately impacts on those living in areas of higher social deprivation. Today's announcement has the potential to bring significant public health benefits.
"The fortification of flour with folic acid is already an established measure in 80 countries globally. Including in Australia, New Zealand and Canada where there has been a reduction in neural tube defects as a result."
Non-wholemeal flour is already an established vehicle for fortification and the costs of fortification to industry are expected to be minimal. Flour is currently fortified with calcium, iron, niacin and thiamin during milling to support health.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride said: "Fortifying flour with folic acid allows all women who could become pregnant to increase their intake of the important nutrient and reduce their risk of having a pregnancy affected by a Neural Tube Defect. In the first 12 weeks of pregnancy the neural tube forms the early part of the brain and spine. Not getting enough folate (Vitamin B9) in early pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects and result in spinal conditions such as spina bifida or anencephaly."
It is recommended that women who could become pregnant or are planning a pregnancy take a 400 micrograms folic acid tablet every day before pregnancy and until they are 12 weeks pregnant. This advice will continue, but with around 50% of pregnancies in the UK unplanned, the action to increase folic acid intake across the population will help protect more babies, especially where a pregnancy is unplanned and supplements are not taken early enough.
Photo by Vlad Kutepov on Unsplash
The Northern Ireland Executive in line with the rest of the UK, has agreed that folic acid should be added to non-wholemeal wheat flour. This will mean that foods made with flour, such as bread, will actively help avoid potentially life-threatening spinal conditions in babies every year.
Announcing the public health measure, Health Minister Robin Swann said: "The importance of folic acid at pre-conception and during pregnancy is well-evidenced. In Northern Ireland we have a higher incidence of birth defects due to folic acid deficiency, which disproportionately impacts on those living in areas of higher social deprivation. Today's announcement has the potential to bring significant public health benefits.
"The fortification of flour with folic acid is already an established measure in 80 countries globally. Including in Australia, New Zealand and Canada where there has been a reduction in neural tube defects as a result."
Non-wholemeal flour is already an established vehicle for fortification and the costs of fortification to industry are expected to be minimal. Flour is currently fortified with calcium, iron, niacin and thiamin during milling to support health.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride said: "Fortifying flour with folic acid allows all women who could become pregnant to increase their intake of the important nutrient and reduce their risk of having a pregnancy affected by a Neural Tube Defect. In the first 12 weeks of pregnancy the neural tube forms the early part of the brain and spine. Not getting enough folate (Vitamin B9) in early pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects and result in spinal conditions such as spina bifida or anencephaly."
It is recommended that women who could become pregnant or are planning a pregnancy take a 400 micrograms folic acid tablet every day before pregnancy and until they are 12 weeks pregnant. This advice will continue, but with around 50% of pregnancies in the UK unplanned, the action to increase folic acid intake across the population will help protect more babies, especially where a pregnancy is unplanned and supplements are not taken early enough.
Photo by Vlad Kutepov on Unsplash
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
13 June 2019
Proposal To Add Folic Acid To Flour Consultation Underway
A formal consultation on a proposal to add folic acid to flour will begin today, 13 June, as part of a UK-wide initiative. North Belfast DUP MP Nigel Dodds welcomed the start of the consultation, which will run for 12 weeks, closing on Monday 09 September 2019, and is open to all via Gov.uk.
Proposal To Add Folic Acid To Flour Consultation Underway
A formal consultation on a proposal to add folic acid to flour will begin today, 13 June, as part of a UK-wide initiative. North Belfast DUP MP Nigel Dodds welcomed the start of the consultation, which will run for 12 weeks, closing on Monday 09 September 2019, and is open to all via Gov.uk.
14 November 2024
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
19 November 2024
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
22 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Arson In Newtownabbey PSNI detectives have issues an appeal for information following a report of arson endangering life at residential premises at the Dermont Way area of Newtownabbey.
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Arson In Newtownabbey PSNI detectives have issues an appeal for information following a report of arson endangering life at residential premises at the Dermont Way area of Newtownabbey.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
