Most people don't even know there's a difference between folate and folic acid.
Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 found in foods. Folic acid is the synthetic form that's being added to much of the UK's non-wholemeal wheat flour.
Maybe it will be ultra-processed food.
Maybe it will be the amount of sugar hidden in everyday products.
Or maybe it will be something we haven't even questioned yet.
Whatever your view on folic acid fortification, one principle should unite everyone: the public deserves a voice in what is added to the food we all eat.
Most people don't even know there's a difference between folate and folic acid.
Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 found in foods. Folic acid is the synthetic form that's being added to much of the UK's non-wholemeal wheat flour.
The UK is adding synthetic folic acid to most flour. The aim is to reduce birth defects, a worthy goal. But there is still debate about whether synthetic folic acid is the best form for everyone, particularly for people with certain MTHFR gene variants. Should that debate be getting more attention?
Are we really fans of folic acid being added to food? Apparently that is the plan by the end of the year. Probably not… for all kinds of reasons. What do you think?