Folic Acid

jambutty · 05-04-2006, 09:54

During a news bulletin on Radio 2 this morning I heard:
“The government has ORDERED all bakeries to include folic acid in the dough. This is to help prevent some birth deformities.”
Laudable as that may seem why do some 90% or more of the population have to take medication when they don’t need it?

The government tried it with Fluoride and as far as I know United Utilities do not put Fluoride in the water.

I would add that the bulletin has not been repeated since 0730. Why not?

lettie · 05-04-2006, 10:34

This was also on GMTV this morning, I have to say that I don't agree with foisting Folic Acid onto everyone. Fair enough, there are studies which confirm that it can reduce the incidence of Neural Tube defects eg, Spina Bifida, Anencephaly etc but there are already vitamins and folic acid supplements available for pregnant ladies and those wishing to become pregnant. Although folic acid will reduce the risk of these abnormalities, it will not eradicate that risk completely.

SPUGGIE J · 05-04-2006, 11:24

If it helps women under certain circumstances what does it do for men???

Did the radio news get it wrong? Is the govenment hell bent on deciding how we live and what we need? Next thing you know we will be sent a guide on what we must eat and they will close fast food places and have food police fining us if we do not eat what we are told to eat.

jambutty · 05-04-2006, 11:37

The real point is if the government gets away with this then it establishes a precedent. That being that the government can order whatever medication it likes to be put in our food and water.

First it was Fluoride, now Folic Acid – what next?

Tranquillisers when the public start to rebel physically against the government?

Far fetched? Maybe? But can we afford to take the chance?

SPUGGIE J · 05-04-2006, 11:43

Tranqs for everyday life and uppers at election time. Carry on like this and living in the Mayamar Republic would be bliss.

Neil · 05-04-2006, 12:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPUGGIE J

If it helps women under certain circumstances what does it do for men???

Like Lettie said, it will reduce the chance of your baby being born with Neural Tube defects

Basher · 05-04-2006, 13:04

They are perhaps hoping that Folic Acid being forced upon us men will make us more understanding of the nanny state which we are living in

I'll get my coat on the way out.

Margaret Pilkington · 05-04-2006, 19:03

I think that mass medication is wrong...as Lettie says there is more than enough help for women who are pregnant, or who want to become pregnant.
There was some research that suggested folic acid supplements MAY help prevent heart attacks and strokes - but shortly after this was published there was other research that said it didn't and may actually be harmful.
If people wish to take vitamin supplements then that is their choice - but for goodness sake let's not be putting stuff into a staple food.

entwisi · 05-04-2006, 19:40

forcing drugs(and effectively this is a drug) on us can NEVER be right, FULL STOP

It so happens that some people are intolerant of Folic Acid. It made Julie sick during her pregnancy. Once we could stop we did. If this goes through what is she supposed to make a butty with?

Basher · 05-04-2006, 19:51

Seriously now, my other half and I have have had a big conflab about this tonight, she thinks it's a good thing whereas I completely disagree with her ........... nothing new there you may think

but there are ways that pregnant women can get folic acid whether they buy food containing folate, purchase folic acid supplements or have supplements prescribed, why oh why should (a) private businesses be forced to include it as an extra ingrediemt, which will cost and therefore the cost of a loaf will rise and (b) every male and non pregnant woman be forced to ingest it - sure it's in some cereals and folate is common in many foods which make up a healthy diet but it's a good old loaf of bread! Are we no longer free to choose?

Margaret Pilkington · 05-04-2006, 19:56

It seems not.... unless of course you give up bread.

WillowTheWhisp · 05-04-2006, 19:57

I saw it on the news and they mentioned it was to be added tp the flour so you can't even avoid it by making your own bread! There was mention that folic acid can actually mask the symptoms of some illnesses which could then go undiagnosed. Brilliant!

Gayle · 05-04-2006, 19:59

I do worry about the effects that chemicals have on other people - every body is different and so some people might have bad reactions to it. I can just see the headlines in 10 years saying 'Folic Acid causes Cancer' or 'Folic Acid causes Infertility in Men'. If you don't need to take folic acid i.e. you're not expecting or trying to have a baby you shouldn't be force fed it

West Ender · 05-04-2006, 21:23

Well, of course, the answer would be a return to wholesome "natural" foods, untampered with and baked/prepared as you would in your own kitchen. The problem is that, no matter how much food you prepare and cook yourself, you cannot be certain how much of the ingredients has been subject to intervention unless it is all authentically organic.

I wouldn't want to buy bread that has been artificially "inseminated" with folic acid or anything else. I don't want to buy any foodstuff that has been sprayed, treated or in any way "modified".

This government is so good at telling us how we should live our lives and what is good for us. They seem, to me, to be unable to see the wood for the trees.

lettie · 06-04-2006, 07:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillowTheWhisp

I saw it on the news and they mentioned it was to be added tp the flour so you can't even avoid it by making your own bread! There was mention that folic acid can actually mask the symptoms of some illnesses which could then go undiagnosed. Brilliant!

That is absolutely true Willow. Folic acid supplementation can mask vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anaemia). This condition is found mainly in elderly people and can cause neurological and cardiovascular symptoms. Folic acid therapies should never be given without first checking for B12 deficiencies......... Are the government going to mass check everyone????
I don't think so.

Funnily enough, the National Childbirth Trust are all for this supplementation, arguing that many pregnancies are unplanned............. Whose fault is that????? Certainly not the general public's who this drug will be forced upon. I am very surprised that the NCT are in favour of this. I thought that they had more sense.