Folic acid and vitamin B₁₂ fortification of food for preventing neural tube defects in Europe

Both sides in the debate on mandatory folate food fortification agree that it would reduce the incidence of neural tube defects and improve population rates of folate deficiency.1

Reynolds, however, argues that it should be accompanied by mandatory vitamin B₁₂ fortification to protect elderly people from neurological dysfunction. National audits in the Republic of Ireland during 2009-11 and 2012-15 found no improvement in rates of neural tube defects with a …