Low Folate Levels in Women & Importance of Folic Acid

New report reveals a high prevalence of folate levels below the protective threshold for neural tube defects in childbearing aged women. The latest National diet and nutrition survey (NDNS) report shows the vast majority of women in the UK of childbearing age (16 to 49 years), do not have the levels of folate shown to give the best protection against neural tube defects (NTDs) in the event of pregnancy. NTDs include anencephaly, a significant cause of baby loss, and spina bifida. They affect approximately 1 in 750 pregnancies in England and Wales.

What Happens When Your Folate Levels are Low

The NDNS is cross-sectional, nationally-representative survey of the nutritional status of the UK population. Between 2019 and 2023 folate levels in the red blood cells (RBC) of women of childbearing age showed 83% had RBC folate concentrations below the 748 nmol per litre threshold for maximum NTD protection. This means most UK women who could become pregnant have an increased chance of a future baby being affected by an NTD.  The report is an update to the 2023 survey results which also showed declining UK folate status between 2008 and 2019, and a high prevalence of folate levels below the protective threshold in women of childbearing age.

The Importance Of Folic Acid Before And During Pregnancy

Folic acid (also known as vitamin B9 and pteroylglutamic acid), when taken before conceiving, has been robustly demonstrated to lower the chance of NTDs . Supplemental folic acid intake increases maternal folate status. Low maternal folate status is a risk factor in the development of neural tube defects in the developing foetus.

400 µg is the daily dose recommended for most women who could become pregnant, though some including people with a personal or family history of NTDs are recommended to take more. Higher dose (5 mg) folic acid is available on prescription. Whatever the dose, folic acid should ideally be taken for at least three months before conception and for the first trimester of pregnancy to confer the fullest preventative effect.

For More Information:

Click here to read more about folic acid please also see the relevant information for people with open spina bifida and parents of children with open spina bifida.