folic acid is to be added to flour in the uk, to prevent life threatening spinal conditions in babies. women are advised to take the b vitamin before and during pregnancy, which can guard against spina bifida in unborn babies. the government says the move could prevent 200 birth defects a year. gluten free foods and wholemeal flour are exempt from the new rules. we have all sorts of problems. fortunately, we have our guest here. ursula arens is a spokesperson for the british dietetic association and has been writing about the importance of folic acid for 30 years. it is 30 years since the uk publication of the definitive study showing that folic acid in very early pregnancy or preferably before pregnancy dramatically reduces the risk of neural tube defects. many countries have already got