Written question asked by Ian Gibson (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 November 2003. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Wednesday, 12 November 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when the most recent National Diet and Nutrition Survey was published; what percentage of women aged 35-49 it found had a total daily folic acid intake of less than 400 microgrammes; and what his Department's recommended total daily folic acid intake is from (a) the normal diet and (b) supplemental sources for women in that age group. - Including figures.

Answer: Dr. Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the most recent National Diet and Nutrition Survey was published; what percentage of women aged 35 to 49 it found had a total daily folic acid intake of less than 400 microgrammes; and what his Department's recommended total daily folic acid intake is from (a) the normal diet and (b) supplemental sources for women in that age group. [137053] Miss Melanie Johnson: The latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey, published in July 2003, showed that 84 per cent. of women aged 35 to 49 had folate intakes below 400 micrograms per day. The recommended intake for folate from diet for these women is 200 micrograms per day. The Department recommends that all women planning a pregnancy should take 400 micrograms per day of folic acid (a synthetic form of folate) as a daily supplement to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 413 c334-5W; 137053
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Consumption Diets Dietary supplements Women Food Nutrition Folic acid
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk