Our thanks to Eli for this (video 17:12) regarding the dangers of Folic acid, in particular the increase risk it creates in prostate cancer. She writes:

“Conversation here about the change in legislation that is going to mandate the addition of folic acid to all non-wholemeal flour (thereby all kinds of food – in addition to existing supplementation, in cereals, even organic sausages were spotted) in the U.K. 

Justification: reduction of neural tube defects (eg. spina bifida) in new borns. 

Evidence: very much wanting actually – based on 1 study of giving high risk expectant mothers huge doses, not all expectant mothers supplementation (although in my maternal career – 18 years – I have always been advised to, and taken folic acid tablets, the message is drilled home, so who is not getting it…?).

Bearing in mind: the demographic trend is that the defects are disproportionately seen in poor and Indian communities. So, it appears to me that our entire country is going to be forced to up our dosage, to mitigate the ability of a small minority of poor, childbearing Indian women to ignore advice.

Problem: while it is unclear whether synthetic folic acid is effective in reducing neural tube defects (unlike the natural folates it’s supposed to be in lieu of); IT DOES INCREASE RISK OF PROSTATE CANCER.

I assume that a cost-benefit analysis has been completed, and wonder whether/to what degree: older men’s lives have been deemed less precious than babies; prognosis for prostate cancer (caught early) is obviously better than spina bifida so deemed more acceptable; or expense to NHS of treating patients with prostate cancer V spina bifida has been taken into account (especially in populations possibly without great English and/or compliance with medical guidance).

However, the fact that anyone who wants to avoid adding folic acid to their diet is not going to have the right to find non-wholemeal flour, bread, baked goods… Without supplementation, is outrageous. 

There is a petition to sign against this measure sign-posted in the video.”

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