§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on folic acid dietary supplementation. [42165]
§ Yvette Cooper[holding answer 11 March 2002]: The Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy issued advice on folic acid in relation to the prevention of neural tube defects in 1992.
Women who are trying to conceive or who are likely to become pregnant, are advised to take a daily 400 micrograms supplement of folic acid until the twelfth week of pregnancy. In addition, all women who may become pregnant are advised to increase their daily intake of folic acid by eating more folate-rich foods and foods fortified with folic acid—especially breads and breakfast cereals.
To prevent the recurrence of a neural tube defect, folic acid supplements at a daily dose of five milligrams (5000 micrograms) are advised and this can be reduced to four milligrams, if this dose becomes available.