§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if the folic acid supplements recommended for women intending to have children in the recent report of the Chief Medical Officer's expert advisory group will be available without a prescription; and what charge will be made.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe report recommended that to prevent a recurrence of neural tube defects women should be prescribed folic acid supplements until the 12th week of pregnancy at a dose of 5mg per day. As there are rare but potentially serious hazards of folic acid therapy at these levels in particular groups of people there are no plans to make this dose available without a prescription.
To prevent a first occurrence of neural tube defect women planning a pregnancy are advised to take a supplement of 0.4mg folic acid from the start of trying to conceive until the 12th week of pregnancy. These supplements are available over the counter at many health food stores and chemists at a cost of around £1 for a month's supply.