In September 2009, the Australian government introduced a mandatory folic acid fortification program. Since then, Australian millers have been adding folic acid to wheat flour to make bread fortified with folic acid. Bread now contains an average of 120 micrograms of folic acid per 100 grams (approximately 3 slices)
Over one year later we are now seeing the impact this is having on the folic acid levels of the Australian population.
A recent Medical Journal of Australia study has found blood folate levels have increased in Australians. Of the 20,000 blood samples analysed, 77% had an improvement in their serum folate levels which were previously considered low.
Of particular importance is the finding that in women of childbearing age there was a 31% increase in mean serum folate levels and 22% in red blood cell folate level.
The authors note that “…this study provides the first clear evidence that the prevalence of folate deficiency in Australia has significantly decreased since the implementation of mandatory fortification”.
Food Standards Australia and New Zealand highlight that it is difficult to ensure women get enough folic acid from their diet to reduce the risks of neural tube defects in pregnancy.
The best way to guarantee women get enough folic acid is to take a folic acid supplement of at least 400 micrograms every day, in addition to eating foods that have added folic acid (fortified) and are naturally rich in folate.
References available on request