Not all grains are created equal: Gluten-free products not included in mandatory folate fortification

Abstract

Adequate folate intake during the female reproductive years plays a vital role in fetal neurodevelopment. To address this public health concern, the FDA required enriched cereal grains to be fortified with folic acid. A positive outcome of fortification with folic acid was a reduction in the number of pregnancies affected by neural tube defects (NTDs). However, there are individuals unable to consume these enriched grains, such as those with a gluten allergy or intolerance. The need for folic acid fortification across all grains, those with and without gluten, should be considered in an effort to provide equivalent folic acid to all and further promote public health efforts aimed at decreasing the incidence of NTDs.