To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the need for an educational campaign to highlight the importance of taking folic acid supplements while pregnant to reduce the chances of brain and spinal conditions in foetuses.
Answered on
16 September 2024
The Government and the devolved administrations recommend that women who could become pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, should take a daily supplement of 400 micrograms of folic acid before conception and up until the 12th week of pregnancy. This is in addition to any folic acid consumed through their diet.
In England, Start for Life provides information and support to pregnant women and expectant parents on the importance of taking folic acid on their website, and through an email programme. Public health messaging by health departments across the United Kingdom raises awareness of the importance of folic acid supplementation by women who may become pregnant, and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The Government keeps the need for educational campaigns under review.
The Government monitors folate intake and status through the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS). The latest publication reported that 89% of women of childbearing age had increased risk of neural tube defects. New NDNS data, including folate status, is due to be published in early 2025.