Fortifying flour with folic acid could reduce the number of babies born with neural tube defects by 41 per cent. This is the conclusion of a report of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (COMA) published on January 13.
According to the findings of the report, "Folate and the prevention of disease", 38 of the 93 "neural tube defect-affected births" in England and Wales recorded during 1998 could have been prevented by fortifying flour with folic acid. The report contains an assessment of the risks and benefits of folic acid intake and draws two conclusions. First, the risk of a neural tube defect would be reduced by 41 per cent if flour were fortified at a level of 240μg per 100g and, secondly, women who might become pregnant should still be advised to take folic acid supplements. It states that fortification at the level recommended would not result in "unacceptably high" intake in the general population.
Ms Yvette Cooper (Minister for Public Health) said that the Government would consult widely on the COMA conclusions.
Researchers from St Bartholomew's and Royal London school of medicine made a plea in the British Medical Journal last month for fortification of flour with folic acid (PJ 1999;263:975).
"Folate and the prevention of disease", £16.50, is available from the Stationery Office, PO Box 29, Norwich, NR3 1GN (tel 0870 600 5522).