Interim Evaluation of the Voluntary Folate Fortification Policy

Three strategies, singly or in combination for the primary prevention of Neural Tube Defects, are now in use in several countries. These include: fortification of foods with folate, promotion of periconceptional use of folate supplements, and promotion of diets high in natural sources of folate. Folate fortification is the preferred strategy in many countries because of its potential to reach the largest proportion of women of child-bearing age prior to conception, in doses thought to be effective. As yet, no systematic evaluations of the outcomes of national folate fortification programs have been published; these are early days.

Page last updated: 23 December 2014