Dr Pennie Taylor PhD MND BHlthSc
Introduction: The Australian government has implemented various strategies to address folate deficiency and reduce the risk of inborn defects, particularly neural tube defects (NTDs), in pregnant women. Recognizing the importance of folate in prenatal nutrition, the government has taken measures to fortify certain food products, provide folate education, and recommend supplementation. This introduction will outline the key approaches taken by the Australian government to promote folate intake among pregnant women and reduce the occurrence of NTDs.
Folate Fortification: In 2009, the Australian government made it mandatory to fortify specific food products with folic acid to ensure adequate folate intake among women of childbearing age. Wheat flour used in making bread, rolls, and pastas, as well as cornmeal used in breakfast cereals and corn-based snacks, are fortified with folic acid. This fortification program aims to increase folate levels in the general population, particularly in women who may become pregnant [1].
Folate Education and Awareness: The Australian government actively promotes awareness about the importance of folate in preventing birth defects. The Department of Health provides information and resources to encourage healthcare professionals to educate women of childbearing age about the benefits of folate supplementation, even before conception where women are informed about the critical role of folate in fetal development, particularly in preventing NTDs like spina bifida and anencephaly. The Australian Dietary Guidelines “highlight the role of folate in preventing NTD’s and emphasize the importance of a health, diet rich in folate foods [2].
Food Suggestions and Guidelines: The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) provides dietary recommendations to pregnant women to ensure sufficient folate intake. In addition to fortification, the Australian government provides dietary recommendations to pregnant women to ensure sufficient folate intake. Women planning to conceive are advised to consume 400 micrograms of folate daily, either from natural food sources or through folic acid supplements. They are encouraged to include folate-rich foods in their diet, such as leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale), legumes (lentils, chickpeas), citrus fruits, avocado, and fortified grain products like bread and cereals [3].
Supplementation Recommendations: Alongside dietary suggestions, the Australian government recommends folic acid supplementation for women planning pregnancy and during the first trimester. The supplementation advice aims to bridge the gap between dietary folate intake and the recommended levels for optimal fetal development. Healthcare professionals often prescribe daily folic acid supplements (usually 0.5 to 5 milligrams) to ensure adequate folate levels during the critical early stages of pregnancy for optimal fetal development [3]
Monitoring and Evaluation: To assess the effectiveness of fortification and educational initiatives; the Australian government conducts ongoing surveillance programs. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) monitors the prevalence of folate deficiency and the occurrence of NTDs. These surveillance programs help identify areas for improvement and ensure that the strategies implemented by the government are achieving the desired outcomes [4-6]
Conclusion: The Australian government has taken significant steps to address folate deficiency and reduce the risk of inborn defects, particularly neural tube defects, in pregnant women. Through mandatory folate fortification, educational campaigns, food suggestions, and supplementation recommendations, the government aims to ensure that women of childbearing age have sufficient folate intake. By promoting folate awareness and implementing these strategies, the government plays a vital role in protecting the health and well-being of pregnant women and their unborn babies.
References:
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand. Folate Fortification. Retrieved from https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/food-standards-code/food-additives/folate-fortification
- Department of Health, Australian Government. Pregnancy and Food Safety. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/pregnancy-and-food-safety
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. Retrieved from https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/folate
- Abeywardana S & Sullivan EA 2008. Neural tube defects in Australia. An epidemiological report. Cat. no. PER 45. Sydney: AIHW National Perinatal Statistics Unit
- Macaldowie A & Hilder L 2011. Neural tube defects in Australia: prevalence before mandatory folic acid fortification. Cat. no. PER 53. Canberra: AIHW
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2016. Monitoring the health impacts of mandatory folic acid and iodine fortification. Cat. no. PHE 208. Canberra: AIHW.