Continuing low uptake of periconceptional folate warrants increased food fortification

Abstract

Objective To assess whether the Health Education Authority’s recent promotion of periconceptional folic acid has been successful in increasing uptake sufficient to prevent neural tube defects. Design A retrospective questionnaire, completed by 162 patients in the early pregnancy clinic in Doncaster Royal Infirmary, an average-sized UK district general hospital. The study ran in February and March 1999. Methods and main outcome measures Data were collected on: supplementation and dietary intake of folic acid, both preconceptionally and after confirmation of pregnancy; awareness of the benefits of folic acid; source of information on folic acid; the reasons for not taking folic acid (if this was so); planned or unplanned pregnancy; previous pregnancies; previous neural tube defect in a pregnancy; smoking habit; and age. Results Eighty-one per cent of women were aware of the benefits of folic acid, but only 27% took it preconceptionally. Sixty-eight per cent took it after confirmation of pregnancy. A quarter of patients made an attempt to increase dietary folate. Unplanned pregnancy was a significant bar to uptake, with significant differences in awareness and consumption. Number of pregnancies had no effect. Older women were more likely to take postconceptional folate, but awareness and preconceptional use were the same as younger women. Conclusion Despite an extensive campaign commissioned by the Department of Health and run by the Health Education Authority, use of periconceptional folate will probably only prevent one-sixth of affected pregnancies. The adverse effects of fortification discussed in the body of this paper are small. It is now time for increased fortification of all cereal-grain products to be instituted in the UK in a similar manner to the United States.