A GLOBAL shortage of folic acid has left Australian millers unable to add a vitamin needed in bread to help pregnant women protect their unborn children against birth defects.

With Australia expected to face a shortage of folic acid for the next 12-18 months, the ­nation’s health authorities have warned pregnant women and those wanting to have children that they need to take folate supplements.

Under Australian regulations, manufacturers must add folic acid to wheat flour in their bread as a “safety net” to protect unborn children from ­neural tube defects, including damage to their brain, spine, or spinal cord.

Although millers are expected to run out of folic acid in the coming months following a production slowdown in China, it is believed existing supplies have been prioritised to vitamin manufacturers so they can be reserved in supplements for pregnant women, who need them the most.

Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Chris Baggoley, said supplies of folic acid for use in supplements and infant formula would not be affected by the shortage, urging doctors to remind their pregnant patients to use supplements.

“This global shortage of the production of folic acid means there may not be sufficient supplies to add to wheat flour for making bread for up to 12 to 18 months,” Prof Baggoley said.

“Pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy should follow the NHMRC recommendations and continue to take a daily folic acid supplement at least one month before, and three months after conception.”

Victoria’s Acting Chief Health Officer, Michael Ackland, also urged women between 16 and 44 to eat foods high in folate such as broccoli, spinach, citrus fruit, fruit juice, lentils, peas and whole grains.

Folate is a B-group vitamin essential for the healthy development of the foetus in early pregnancy and can prevent seven out of 10 cases of neural tube defects, such as spina ­bifida, if taken before conception and during the first few weeks of pregnancy.

Most Australian women do not receive the recommended 400 micrograms of folate through their regular diets.

grant.mcarthur@news.com.au