Falling folic acid supplement uptake threatens progress on children's health, experts warn
Declining use of folic acid supplements before pregnancy is undermining progress in preventing serious birth defects, health experts say.
Recent NHS data reveals a concerning decline in women taking folic acid supplements before pregnancy in England, falling from 26% in 2020-21 to under 20% in 2024-25. This downward trend, if left unchecked, could undermine progress in preventing serious birth defects, warns a study by researchers at the University of Southampton and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
Folic acid, a form of vitamin B9, is crucial for the development of a baby's brain and spinal cord during the early stages of pregnancy when many women may not yet know they are expecting. The researchers emphasize that while mandatory folic acid fortification of non-wholemeal wheat flour from December 2026 is a positive step, it cannot replace supplements for women planning a pregnancy.
Dr. Danielle Schoenaker, lead author of the commentary, stresses that taking folic acid before pregnancy remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to support a healthy start for a baby. However, the study also highlights significant disparities in folic acid use, with lower uptake among women in deprived areas and some ethnic minority groups.
Professor Keith Godfrey, co-author of the paper, calls for a coordinated approach combining higher levels of fortification, improved preconception care education, and targeted support for communities where supplement use remains low. The researchers urge renewed public health campaigns to communicate the benefits of folic acid, combat misinformation, and monitor both supplement use and birth outcomes to ensure more children have the best possible start in life.
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