Background – Since mandatory fortification of folic acid of flour has contributed to the reduction of neural tube defects (NTDs) in the U.S., Canada and Chile (1), mandatory folic acid fortification in bread-making flour has been proposed for Australia and New Zealand (2).
Objectives – To determine patterns of eating behaviour of women of childbearing age, and evaluate the appropriateness of bread-making flour as the selected food vehicle of folic acid fortification.
Design – A population sample of 197 women aged 19-45 years were recruited to complete a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Data on women’s dietary preferences and intakes were collected and analysed.
Outcomes – For all subgroups, average intakes of bread and cereal products did not meet recommendations set in the Dietary Guidelines for Australian Adults (3). Bread consumption averaged three to four slices per day. With fortification of bread, dietary folate intake would increase by 117-156 μg/day, achieving the proposed target. However, the survey revealed that one third of women did not eat sufficient bread to benefit from fortification. Conclusion – Although potentially beneficial, folic acid fortification warrants an educational campaign, particularly for women with low bread consumption.
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