Folic Acid Added To Our Bread
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/folic-acid/folic-acid
Fortification of flour with folic acid
In the UK, non-wholemeal wheat flour is currently fortified by law with calcium, iron, niacin and thiamin. Under new requirements, non-wholemeal wheat flour will also be fortified with folic acid by law from December 2026. We expect some products to contain flour fortified with folic acid from autumn 2025.
In the UK, non-wholemeal wheat flour will be fortified with folic acid by law from December 2026.
The compulsory inclusion of Folic Acid in British food seems to be a subject almost entirely unknown to the majority of the British public.
Last week, my regular Tesco white loaf had a new name and packaging. When I looked at the ingredients, it now has Folic Acid listed amongst the most common ingredients.
There has been no debate in parliament about this and the NHS was not consulted during the consultation period.
Worryingly, there is very little awareness out there among the general public of this mandate so those who cannot take SFA would not even know.
The maximum recommended dosage according to the British National Formulary is 500 microgrammes per day. This will be easily exceeded by eating a high carb diet, which is generally associated with lower income families.
Major Health Risks Associated With Synthetic Folic Acid In Food
Some people taking certain medication may be advised to monitor their intake of folic acid or avoid folic acid supplements because of potential interactions. People in this situation should seek advice from a healthcare professional.
General recommendation
If you could become pregnant, the U.S. Public Health Service recommends that you get 400 mcg of folic acid daily to help prevent NTDs.1This recommendation is also supported by the Institute of Medicine and the US Preventive Services Task Force
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/why-every-woman-needs-folic-acid
What exactly is folic acid?
Folic acid is the manufactured form of folate, or vitamin B9. Folate is an essential nutrient that helps your body:
Make and repair DNA
Prevent birth defects of the spinal cord and brain (neural tube defects)
Produce red blood cells
Folate exists in certain fruits, vegetables and nuts, but your body may have difficulty absorbing naturally occurring folate due to some digestive conditions, certain medications or alcohol consumption. In its manufactured form, folic acid is more easily absorbed via supplements and enriched foods and can help you consistently reach optimal levels of vitamin B9.
Benefits of folic acid
Folic acid has health benefits for women of all ages. It is used for many reasons, including:
Preventing birth defects and pregnancy-related complications
Folic acid plays an important role both before and during pregnancy. It prevents neural tube defects, which include defects of the brain and spinal cord such as anencephaly and spina bifida. Those defects develop in the first few weeks after conception, before you even know you’re pregnant. During pregnancy, doctors recommend women take folic acid supplements to help prevent additional fetal defects and pregnancy-related complications.
Avoiding folate deficiency symptoms
A folate deficiency can happen in just a few weeks if you don’t get enough folate and folic acid or have a condition that prevents your body from absorbing or using it. Without folate, your body will not make enough healthy red blood cells, which deliver oxygen to your body’s tissues. As a result, you may develop folic acid-deficiency anemia with symptoms, including weakness and fatigue.
Promoting brain health
Researchers have linked low levels of folate to decreased brain function and an increased risk for dementia. Studies also show that taking folic acid supplements may:
Improve brain function in people with mental impairments
Help treat Alzheimer’s disease
Reduce the symptoms of depression (when used together with antidepressants)
Improving heart health
Folic acid may help reduce your risk of heart disease by reducing high blood pressure and improving blood flow. Studies show that supplementing with folic acid may lead to a 4% reduction in overall risk for heart disease and a 10% reduction in stroke risk.
Staying healthy after menopause
Women who have gone through menopause should still plan to get the recommended amount of folic acid each day. In addition to the benefits listed, it may reduce your risk of certain cancers, such as cervical cancer and colon cancer. Folic acid may also help to prevent type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
