The NHS has issued updated guidance emphasising the importance of folic acid from preconception to early pregnancy and recommending vitamin D supplementation, reinforcing measures to protect fetal development and maternal health.
The National Health Service (NHS) has reiterated important guidance for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, emphasising the critical role of folic acid supplementation in early pregnancy. Expectant mothers are advised to take a daily 400 microgram folic acid tablet from before conception until the 12th week of pregnancy. This practice helps significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, which affect the baby’s development in the early stages.
In addition to folic acid, the NHS recommends that pregnant women take a daily vitamin D supplement, particularly between September and March, when sunlight exposure is insufficient for natural vitamin D synthesis. The nutrient is vital for maintaining healthy bones and muscles in both mother and baby. Foods like oily fish, egg yolks, and fortified cereals provide some vitamin D, but obtaining an adequate amount from diet alone is generally challenging, underlining the need for supplements.
The NHS cautions against the use of cod liver oil and any supplements containing vitamin A (retinol) during pregnancy, as excessive vitamin A intake could harm the developing baby. Women should always carefully check supplement labels to avoid this risk. For those choosing a multivitamin that includes folic acid, it is essential to ensure it does not contain vitamin A.
Women with a higher risk of pregnancies affected by neural tube defects are advised to take an increased folic acid dose of 5 milligrams daily until 12 weeks gestation. This higher dosage is recommended for women who have a personal or family history of neural tube defects, diabetes, or those taking certain medications such as anti-epilepsy or anti-retroviral drugs. The NHS encourages women in these categories to consult their GP, who may prescribe the higher dose and suggest additional screening during pregnancy.
To support pregnant women, the NHS runs the Healthy Start scheme, which provides vitamin supplements free of charge to eligible individuals. This scheme also offers access to specific foods via a prepaid card, helping to improve nutrition for mothers and their babies during pregnancy and early childhood. Even if women do not qualify for this scheme, many NHS organisations provide vitamins at low or no cost, and midwives can often advise on local availability.
Overall, the NHS emphasises that while a balanced and nutritious diet is important during pregnancy, supplementation with folic acid and vitamin D remains a crucial step for protecting maternal and fetal health. Starting folic acid supplementation as early as possible, including before conception if planning pregnancy, maximises its effectiveness in preventing birth defects.
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- [2] (NHS) - Paragraph 1, 5
- [3] (NHS) - Paragraph 1, 5
- [4] (NHS) - Paragraphs 2, 6
- [5] (NHS) - Paragraph 1, 5
- [6] (NHS) - Paragraph 2, 6
- [7] (NHS) - Paragraph 1
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative aligns with longstanding NHS guidelines on folic acid supplementation during pregnancy, which have been consistent for several years. The earliest known publication date of similar content is from 2014. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The content has been republished across various platforms, including low-quality sites and clickbait networks. The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content has appeared more than 7 days earlier.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quotes in the report are consistent with those found in earlier material, indicating potential reuse. No variations in wording were noted. No online matches were found for some quotes, suggesting they may be original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable organisation, the NHS, which is a strength. However, the report has been republished across various platforms, including low-quality sites and clickbait networks, which raises concerns about the reliability of some sources.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims made in the report are plausible and align with existing NHS guidelines on folic acid supplementation during pregnancy. The narrative lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is a concern. The report includes specific factual anchors, such as names, institutions, and dates. The language and tone are consistent with the region and topic. The structure does not include excessive or off-topic detail unrelated to the claim. The tone is not unusually dramatic, vague, or inconsistent with typical corporate or official language.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative is based on longstanding NHS guidelines and includes updated data, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The quotes are consistent with earlier material, indicating potential reuse. The source is reputable, but the report has been republished across various platforms, including low-quality sites and clickbait networks, raising concerns about the reliability of some sources. The claims are plausible and align with existing guidelines, but the lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets is a concern. Overall, the assessment is OPEN with a MEDIUM confidence level.
