SBU’s Conclusions
The primary objective of the project was to systematically examine the scientific evidence for the benefits and risks of fortifying flour with folic acid. Benefits refer to the possibility that the incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs) is lower with fortification than without fortification. Risks refer to the possibility that a higher intake of folic acid increases the likelihood of twin pregnancy.
Other possible effects of fortification were not included in the examination.The main conclusion of the Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care is that mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid cannot be unequivocally recommended based on the scientific evidence in this report.