Abstract
In this report, benefits (preventing neural tube defects and folate deficiency), risks (masking vitamin B12 deficiency), and uncertain effects (risk of colon cancer) of folic acid supplementation and fortification have been weighted. On the basis of the available evidence, the Health Council of the Netherlands advises the Dutch government to improve the use of folic acid approximately at the time of conception by increased education and the implementation of preconception care. It further recommends considering fortifying staple foods, provided that voluntary fortification of specific foods is banned, as otherwise children are at risk of having an excessively high intake of folic acid. Policy making in relation to fortification should take into account all possible health effects, even if the evidence is not strong.
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Acknowledgements
All authors contributed substantially to the realization of the advisory report and the short communication arising from it. RMW wrote the manuscript and GS and DK provided valuable input. The advisory report has been drafted by a committee of the Health Council of the Netherlands. GS was chairman and RMW scientific secretary. The other members were H van den Berg, EN Blok (advisor), HJ Blom, CPGM de Groot, M den Heijer, KFAM Hulshof, PTAM Lips, IMCM Rietjens, PJJ Sauer, P van 't Veer, and T Vulsma. The Health Council of the Netherlands thanks them for their contribution.
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This is an official release by the Health Council of the Netherlands.Issued 21 February 2008, a translation into English is available at http://www.gezondheidsraad.nl/samenvatting.php?ID=1663&highlight=folic%20acid
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Weggemans, R., Schaafsma, G. & Kromhout, D. Toward an optimal use of folic acid: an advisory report of the Health Council of the Netherlands. Eur J Clin Nutr 63, 1034–1036 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2009.2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2009.2
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