National Diet and Nutrition Survey data reveal a decline in folate status in the United Kingdom population between 2008 and 2019.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Folate is essential for healthy growth and development. Fortification of foods with folic acid can improve folate status and reduce risk of neural tube defects (NTD). Following concern around folate status in the United Kingdom, the United Kingdom government announced in 2021 the intention to introduce mandatory folic acid fortification.

Objective

This study aimed to describe folate status in the United Kingdom population prior to the implementation of mandatory folic acid fortification of non-whole wheat (non-wholemeal) flour and to assess trends in folate status, including in females of reproductive age (FRA).

Methods

Data were from the United Kingdom National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Program (2008-2019), a cross-sectional, nationally representat

SUBMITTER: Jones KS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10739772 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature