Number 67      July 95

MAFF UK - SURVEY OF ADDED FOLIC ACID IN DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS AND FORTIFIED FOODS

Index to MAFF UK Food Surveillance Information Sheets, 1995

Summary

MAFF has carried out a survey of the levels of added folic acid in dietary supplements and foods fortified with folic acid. The results show that the majority of supplements and almost all the foods analysed contained levels of added folic acid at or above the levels declared on the product labels. However some products were found to contain less.

Background

This survey was carried out as part of MAFF's nutrient surveillance programme in order to support dietary survey work. Folic acid is a B vitamin and rich sources include green leafy vegetables. Evidence shows that increasing intake of folic acid before and during the early stages of pregnancy has a protective effect against the occurrence of neural tube defects, for example, spina bifida. The Department of Health recommends that women who are planning a pregnancy should increase their intake of folic acid from foods and also take a daily 400 µg folic acid supplement as foods may well not supply sufficient folic acid for their needs. Some foods are fortified with folic acid on a voluntary basis by manufacturers, including most breakfast cereals and some breads, and also a few brands of other foods such as confectionery and beverages. The range of such foods on the market is increasing and information on their folic acid content is required for use in MAFF's programme of dietary surveys.

The Survey

Levels of folic acid were determined in single samples of forty dietary supplements. These included supplements containing folic acid only as well as multivitamin supplements, including those marketed at women planning or during a pregnancy.

Folic acid levels were also determined in bulk samples of twenty five folic acid fortified foods. These were mainly breads and breakfast cereals but a few other foods were also included, for example, boiled sweets and powdered beverages. Different brands were analysed separately but each bulk sample included, in most cases, five sub-samples, where possible purchased from different retail outlets.

The analytical method used for all samples was microbiological assay using Lactobacillus casei as the test organism. Some of the supplements were also determined using a high-performance liquid chromatography procedure.

Results

Supplements: The survey found that the majority of supplements contained levels of folic acid at or in excess of the levels declared on the labels. However nine products out of the forty analysed were found to have analysed folic acid levels of less than 90 percent of declared levels. The levels found in these products were in the range 60-85 percent of declared levels. A further four samples were found to have analysed levels slightly below declared levels (at or above 90 percent of declared levels). Two products gave unreliable results after repeated analyses due to difficulties with extraction of the vitamin. The folic acid content of these products therefore could not be determined.

Foods: All the foods analysed had folic acid levels at or above the declared levels with the exception of one bread (78 percent of declared level), one breakfast cereal (68 percent of declared level) and one pizza (93 percent of declared level).

Contact Point

Further information can be obtained from:

Mrs Susan Church
MAFF, Food Safety and Science Group
Consumers and Nutrition Policy Division
Room 350 Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London SW1P 3JR

Tel: +44 (0) 171 238 5764
Fax: +44 (0) 171 238 6591

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These pages were last updated on 1 October 1996