Folic acid and the fortification of food has received lots of attention over the years, with the topic being reactivated more recently. Over 30 years ago it was found that folic acid supplementation of mothers in early pregnancy could protect against neural tube defects (NTDs). In September 2021 the UK government mandated fortification of flour with folic acid, and the same decision is now being deliberated in Ireland, where NTD’s are amongst some of the highest in the world. Join Professor Helene McNulty as she discusses the evidence behind such policies, and what the next steps are in ensuring that the benefits of folic acid can be achieved by mothers and their babies in a safe way.
What will I learn?
- Gain knowledge on the contribution of folate to human health
- Determine the effects of folic acid intervention, and what works
- Understand the challenges of translating science into policy, and policy into practice
Course Features
- Lectures 2
- Quiz 0
- Duration Lifetime access
- Skill level All levels
- Language English
- Students 201
- Certificate Yes
- Assessments Yes