Financial reports from the NHS or government health department analyses

UK to Add Folic Acid to Flour to Prevent Neural Tube Defects in Hundreds of Babies and Save NHS £20 Million

Nov 14, 2024, 11:16 AM

The UK government is set to implement a new health initiative by adding folic acid to flour in an effort to prevent serious birth defects, particularly neural tube defects, in newborns. This policy aims to improve the health of pregnant women and is projected to save the National Health Service (NHS) approximately £20 million over the next decade. The decision follows historical insights from the UK's sugar rationing during World War II, which researchers have used to study the health impacts of maternal sugar exposure. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce the incidence of birth defects, with the government emphasizing its commitment to enhancing maternal and infant health.