Monitoring the health impacts of mandatory folic acid and iodine fortification 2016
Publication
Release Date:
Topic: Food & nutrition
Citation
AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) (2016) Monitoring the health impacts of mandatory folic acid and iodine fortification 2016, AIHW, Australian Government, accessed 4 June 2026.
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This report assesses the health effects of mandatory folic acid and iodine fortification, introduced to help reduce the prevalence of neural tube defects and address the re emergence of iodine deficiency in the population. Mandatory fortification resulted in increased levels of folic acid and iodine in the food supply, increased folic acid and iodine intakes, a decreased rate of neural tube defects in Australia, and improved iodine status in the general populations in Australia and New Zealand.
- ISBN: 978-1-74249-941-3
- Cat. no: PHE 208
- Pages: 128
Findings from this report:
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Neural tube defects fell by 14% following mandatory folic acid fortification of bread in Australia
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Neural tube defects in Indigenous women fell by 74% following mandatory folic acid fortification of bread in Australia
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Iodine intakes in women aged 16–44 increased by 52% following mandatory iodine fortification of bread in Australia
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Iodine intakes in children aged 2–3 increased by 29% following mandatory iodine fortification of bread in Australia