In May 2005 ASBAH convened a symposium to examine the evidence of the effects on health of folic acid.
The symposium concluded:
• NTDs remain an important public health concern in the UK;
• Folic acid fortification would be practical and feasible, at the level of 240mcg/100g flour, which would prevent approximately 300 NTD pregnancies annually;
• Fortification would be safe, both on theoretical grounds and on the evidence from the USA and other nations that have fortified flour;
• Further benefits would be gained, in cardiovascular health, and probably in other fields such as cancer prevention;
• Public information should be made available, associated with a mandatory fortification policy, to win public understanding and acceptance.
Click here to download the folic acid symposium report
