Released on: 26 November 2014
In response to an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (BJOG) study which suggests that taking folic acid before conception significantly reduces the risk of small for gestational age (SGA) at birth, Rosemary Dodds, Senior Policy Adviser, NCT said:
"NCT welcomes this research which highlights the value of taking folic acid prior to conception. Many women become pregnant unexpectedly so these findings add to the evidence for mandatory fortification, in line with the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN)’s recommendation.
“We think the government should introduce mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDS) such as spina bifida and reduce the proportion of ‘small for dates’ babies. USA, Canada and Australia already have compulsory fortification and rates of NTDs have fallen significantly.”
Read more about folic acid and other vitamins and supplements in pregnancy.
