Action Medical Researcher Dick Smithells and Dr Elizabeth
Hubbard confirm an association between maternal folic
acid deficiency in late pregnancy and congenital malformations,
especially neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
1976
Smithells and colleagues report an association between
vitamin deficiency in early pregnancy and NTDs.
1980
In a series of papers, Smithells and colleagues report
prevention of NTD recurrences by the use of low dose
multivitamins started before conception.
1991
UK Medical Research Council confirms protective effect
of folic acid against NTD recurrences and concludes
that other vitamins are not protective.
1992
The USA, UK, and several other countries advocate folic
acid supplementation for all adult women.
1997
Folic acid enrichment of cereal grains becomes compulsory
in the USA.
2000
A report by the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food
and Nutrition Policy (COMA) found that about 40% of
NTD-affected births in England and Wales could have
been prevented if fortification of flour was introduced.
2000
A MORI poll commissioned by Action Medical Research
revealed that only 56% of all British women of childbearing
age were aware of the health benefits of taking folic
acid when pregnant or trying for a baby. The majority
of respondents (72%) were in favour of fortification,
15% were against and 13% didn’t know.
2005
A draft report on Folate and Disease Prevention by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), which advises the Government on matters relating to diet, nutrition and health, recommends that mandatory fortification of flour with folate should be introduced into the UK. The SACN begins a consultation period.
