Folic acid is to be added to flour across the UK in a bid to reduce life-threatening spinal conditions in new-borns, according to the UK Government.
A shortage of folate in the early stages of pregnancy - also known as vitamin B9 - occurs often before a woman knows she is pregnant and can lead to neural tube defects in the foetus, resulting in spinal conditions such as spina bifida or anencephaly.
The news comes as it has been suggested that adding folic acid to flour could prevent up to 200 birth defects a year however the new rules will only apply to non-wholemeal wheat flour, with gluten-free foods and wholemeal flour said to be exempt.
Ministers have said that adding it to non-wholemeal wheat flour will help prevent around 200 cases of neural tube defects each year – around a fifth of the UK total.
It follows an agreement with the devolved administrations for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland however the Government had previous plans to introduce this sooner but faced criticism from campaigners for the proposal delay.
Other countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada are among 80 nations around the world to have successfully adopted the practice with Australia seeing a 14% fall in neural tube defects.
Despite the NHS recommending women who could become pregnant (such as though an unplanned pregnancy) or are planning a pregnancy to take a folic acid tablet every day, ministers want to increase the overall intake.
Speaking about the new move, Boris Johnson said: “Few things are as important as a baby’s health – and folic acid-fortified flour is a quick, simple win to enhance their development.
“This will give extra peace of mind to parents and families, as well as helping boost the health of adults across the country.”
Health Secretary, Sajid Javid added: “With the safe and taste-free folic acid baked into the national diet, hundreds more babies will be born healthy each year.
“Focusing on preventing life-threatening health issues such as spina bifida, will ensure fewer people will require hospital treatment, and more individuals and families are able to live healthier lives.”
