Strategies designed to increase awareness about folates and health, and to increase folate intake: A review

In 1995, the UK Health Education Authority orchestrated a national public education campaign focussing on folates and health in women of childbearing age. This overview will consider the impact of the various communication strategies used in this and subsequent endeavours targeted at enhancing folate status in women and the extent to which some vulnerable groups (e.g. low income groups and ethnic minorities) need special targeting. It will also review the potential for enhancing folate provision via the food supply, focussing on data arising from the EU-funded work on folate (QLK1-1999-00576 & QLRT-2002-2740), the impact of food fortification schemes in those countries where they are allowed, and the limitations imposed on message delivery by current EU labelling regulations.