A Steering Group has been established to examine policy options to increase folic acid intake, which could prevent many cases of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) in Ireland.
The Group will build on the recommendations from the Department of Health’s Folic Acid Supplementation Report from 2019.
Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly and Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke announced the establishment of the Steering Group.
Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) occur when the spinal cord does not develop properly during early pregnancy. NTDs, including Spina Bifida, can cause lifelong disability, affecting approximately 1 in 1000 births globally. Ireland has a higher-than-average rate of occurrence compared with the rest of the EU.
All available options to ensure the increased intake of folic acid among women who may become pregnant will be examined by the Group before recommendations are made to the Minister for Health. The work of the Steering Group is expected to take two years.
Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health, Greg Dempsey will chair the Steering Group and membership will include the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Mary Horgan, HSE Consultants, nutrition experts and patient advocacy representatives.
Minister Donnelly said, “Neural Tube Defects, such as Spina Bifida, have a profound impact on patients, their families and the health services. People living with NTDs face significant challenges in terms of impacts on health and disability, social inclusion and quality of life.
“The work of this task force will build on the recommendations of the 2019 Folic Acid Supplementation Committee.
“By increasing dietary intake of foods fortified with folic acid and encouraging supplementation, we can ensure that many cases of NTDs are prevented in the future.”
Minister Burke said, “Research has clearly shown that sufficient folic acid intake will prevent many cases of NTDs. This Steering Group will look at all available means to achieve the goal of increasing folic acid intake. By taking a holistic approach to the topic and examining different options such as subsidised supplements, food fortification and fortified contraceptives, the Group will be able to recommend the most suitable and effective approach to address this important issue.”
An Expert Advisory Panel, chaired by Professor Michael Turner, will also be established to advise the Steering Group. The Department of Health 2019 Folic Acid Report was developed under Professor Turner’s leadership and his commitment and expert knowledge in NTD prevention and folic acid supplementation makes him an ideal candidate for this important role.
The Department of Health said, “Research has shown that up to two thirds of NTDs can be prevented by consuming water-soluble vitamin “folic acid” before and during the early stages of pregnancy.
“It has also been established that women cannot get enough folic acid through diet alone, so fortified foods and folic acid supplements are needed to help reach the required levels.
“Considering that in Ireland 40% of pregnancies are unplanned, and only 57% of women take a folic acid supplement before becoming pregnant, the need for the work this Steering Group will undertake is evident.”
