In Britain folic acid is added to non-whole wheat flour to help prevent birth defects.

Adding folic acid to flour could prevent about 200 cases of neural tube defects such as spina bifida each year and improve the health of pregnant women, the government says, giving manufacturers until the end of 2026. Is. new legal requirement,

Expectant mothers and women trying to conceive should continue to take supplemental folic acid – a synthetic version of the vitamin folate – as currently advised by medical practitioners.

Folic acid is especially important in early pregnancy, aiding the proper development of the baby’s brain, skull and spinal cord.

Experts, many of whom have been demanding the move for several years, have welcomed the government’s decision.

The announcement follows health reforms in other countries such as Australia and Canada, where the practice is already being done.

However, some people say that the change does not go far enough and that more foods should be included.

Professor Neena Modi, professor of neonatal medicine at Imperial College London, said: “This will harm groups such as women who are sensitive to gluten, eating rice and wholemeal products instead of bread – which they and their babies will not benefit from. Will be able to.” , and thus exacerbating the considerable health inequalities that already exist in the UK.”

Vitamin folate, also known as vitamin B9, is found in everyday foods like beans and some green vegetables, meaning most people get an adequate dose by eating a regular, healthy diet.

In addition, the NHS advises women who are trying for a baby to take folic acid supplements about three months before becoming pregnant and for at least 12 weeks after becoming pregnant. This recommendation will remain in place.

It is estimated that half of all pregnancies in the UK are unplanned. Fortification of flour would therefore help boost folic acid intake across the population, and, indirectly, better protect unborn infants.

The government’s independent advisory body has looked at all the evidence and is satisfied that fortification is the right course of action for society as a whole.

Small scale mills (producing less than 500 metric tonnes of flour per year) will be exempted.

Flour is already rich in calcium, niacin, thiamine and iron as a means of improving public health.