Tag: Folic acid controversy

Over 80 countries worldwide, including the United States and Canada, mandate the fortification of certain foods with folic acid to prevent birth defects like spina bifida. Despite this widespread public health measure, a segment of the population actively avoids folic acid due to a mix of scientifically-backed concerns, misinformation, and personal dietary philosophies. This avoidance is often driven by fears of potential side effects and a better understanding of individual genetic factors that affect how the body processes this synthetic vitamin.

In the United States, mandatory fortification of grain products with folic acid began in 1998, leading to a significant drop in neural tube defects. Despite this success, a complex public health debate continues to circulate around the potential risks associated with widespread, high-level folic acid intake, which forms the core of the argument against folic acid.

Over 78% of people tested in a 2014 study had unmetabolized synthetic folic acid in their bloodstream following mandatory fortification initiatives in North America. This statistic underscores a key reason why unenriched flour is better for long-term nutritional health, offering a more complete and natural nutrient profile from whole grains rather than relying on synthetic additives.