It’s just been reported on Medical Observer today that because of a ‘worldwide shortage of food fortification folic acid’ all Australian commercial breads covered by the mandatory fortification laws, will potentially be without this additional synthetic folic acid for up to 12-18 months.
This is unlikely to take effect for another few months, however, is important for people (& their practitioners!) to know that their food will be changing. In light of this women aged 16-44 are being encouraged to increase their consumption of other folate rich foods such as dark green vegetables, citrus fruit, legumes & other whole grains.
This wordwide shortage (fortunately/unfortunately..?!) will not effect the supply of synthetic folic acid supplements or the inclusion of SFA in infant formulas.
“According to the Health Department, the shortage came about as the result of Chinese folic acid supplement manufacturers slowing down production in response to the introduction of new pollution emissions regulations there this year.”
Just thought you might like to know…:)
Want to get really up to date with everything folate? Check out Rachel’s latest highly acclaimed 1.5hr aduio The Folate Debate, covering all the latest research on the different supplemental forms, their strengths, weaknesses and controversies!