The early indication is that birth defects have been reduced and that mortality from heart attacks and strokes are also down following folic acid fortification. Achieving fortification requires action at the national level to achieve policy requiring or encouraging fortification. The technical, political and management experience in the United States has been helpful in discussions in North and South America. Currently more than 10 countries have fortified grains. Chile chose to require folic acid fortification of wheat grain at twice the US concentration beginning January 2000.
Active discussions are underway in the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand.
The manufacturers are very willing to implement this population strategy once they know that it is required or strongly encouraged by the minister of health and the minister of foods. Folic Acid for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects , American Academy of Pediatrics, August 1999. How Folate Can Help Prevent Birth Defects , by Paula Kurtzweil, February 1999. Folic acid boost could save 50,000 lives a year , by Eugenia Halsey and Reuters, April 8, 1998. Folic acid supplementation .