A startling number of young adults in the UK are unaware of the critical importance of taking folic acid during pregnancy, putting the health of unborn babies at risk.
Widespread Ignorance on Prenatal Nutrition
According to a YouGov poll commissioned by Supplement Hub, one in five young women and half of all men do not know that taking folic acid is vital for a baby's development. The survey of 2,362 adults highlights a significant gap in basic pregnancy education, with many missing out on essential dietary advice.
Folic acid is crucial for protecting babies in the womb against neural tube defects like spina bifida, which can cause leg paralysis, poor bladder and bowel control, and a dangerous build-up of fluid on the brain. A deficiency in early pregnancy has also been linked to developmental conditions, including autism and attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
Official NHS Guidance and Low Cost
The NHS recommends that women start taking a daily 400 microgram supplement of folic acid as soon as they begin trying for a baby, or ideally three months before conception. This vital nutrient, which costs as little as £1 for a month's supply, should be continued until at least the 12th week of pregnancy to support the baby's brain and spinal development.
Folic acid is the synthetic version of folate, a B vitamin found naturally in foods like dark leafy greens, legumes, broccoli, asparagus, and citrus fruits. Alarmingly, the poll also suggested that some unborn babies might be at risk due to mistaken beliefs that the vitamin is unsafe.
Call for Better Public Health Messaging
Josephine Smith from Supplement Hub described the findings as deeply worrying. 'This lack of knowledge in younger adults in particular is deeply worrying,' she stated. 'These findings highlight a real gap in basic pregnancy and nutritional education. We urgently need better awareness in schools and public health messaging to empower young people with accurate, science-backed information.'
The same poll uncovered other concerning misconceptions about pregnancy safety. It found that one in seven 18- to 24-year-olds thought, or were unsure whether, moderate exercise during pregnancy was harmful, despite it actually reducing the risk of pregnancy-related diabetes.
Furthermore, almost a third of respondents in this age group were convinced that swimming during pregnancy was unsafe for the mother or baby. In reality, swimming is highly beneficial, as it can soothe back ache and sciatica, improve circulation, reduce swelling, and help manage stress.
