We for You | Daily Reflection | by Maryam ❤️
Salam Alaikum dear Sisters 🌸
I hope you’re all well today.
I recently came across more discussion about flour fortification in the UK, and wanted to share a balanced and thoughtful perspective.
In the UK, white wheat flour has long been enriched with nutrients like calcium, iron, niacin and thiamine.
From late 2026, folic acid (vitamin B9) will also be added as part of a public health effort.
✨ The aim is to help prevent serious birth defects (neural tube defects), especially in early pregnancy often before a woman even knows she is pregnant.
📊 To give some context:
• Around 660,000 babies are born each year in the UK
• About 1,000 pregnancies are affected by neural tube defects
• *The policy is expected to prevent around 200 cases per year*⚠️
• *The UK population is around 67–69 million people*⚠️
Neural tube defects are not caused only by low folate.
Low folate increases risk, which is why folic acid is recommended, but not all cases are due to this, and some still occur even with good intake.
Other factors include genetics, maternal health (like diabetes or obesity), certain medications (e.g. anti-epileptics), other nutritional deficiencies (like B12), and environmental factors (like toxins or high temperatures early in pregnancy).
*Folic acid can reduce risk by about 50–70%, but it does not prevent all cases.*⚠️
So yes - most people consuming fortified flour anf products made of flour ( bread, pastries, pasta, cakes 🍰 🍞🥐🥨🥪are not pregnant (including men, older adults, and children).
👉 The reasoning behind this policy is:
• The added amount is very small (around 100–200 micrograms/day)
• This is well below safe limits
• It allows protection of pregnancies at the earliest stage
For the general population, side effects from this low level are considered very unlikely.⚠️
But no one says it’s impossible.
⚖️ *However, it’s still valid to reflect and be mindful.*❤️
The main medical concern discussed is:
• High folic acid intake can mask Vitamin B12 deficiency
• This mainly affects older adults and is linked to high-dose supplements, not normal food intake
🌿 At the same time, Allah SWT has already placed natural folate in many foods He created for us 🌱
Examples include:
• Leafy greens (spinach, kale🥬 )
• Lentils and beans 🫘
• Chickpeas
• Avocado🥑
• Citrus fruits 🍈
*These are natural sources of folate (vitamin B9) that the body can use, and are part of a wholesome, TAYYIB DIET.*❤️
✨ In my holistic consultations women often asking what is the difference between folic acid and folate?
Folate = the NATURAL form found in foods
Folic acid = the SYNTHETIC form used in supplements and fortified flour
👉 The body needs to convert folic acid into its active form, while natural folate is already closer to what the body uses.
🌸 So which form is closer to human body for pregnancy it’s obvious. 🤰
Health guidelines (including in the UK) recommend folic acid supplements before and during early pregnancy because:
✅ It is stable and well-studied
✅ It reliably reduces neural tube defects
However, many also choose to:
✅Eat folate-rich foods
✅Use more natural forms alongside a healthy diet
So in practice:
• Folic acid = recommended for prevention (evidence-based)
• Folate = beneficial from natural foods as part of a balanced diet
🌾 Many people also notice differences in how they feel with different types of flour.
Please pay attention to into ingredients if you have IBS, gluten intolerance etc
This isn’t always about gluten alone. It can also relate to:
⚠️ GMO and Glyphosate
⚠️Processing methods and additives
⚠️Type of grain
⚠️Bread-making methods (fast vs slow fermentation)
⚠️Individual sensitivities (like IBS)
🌾 If you feel better choosing alternatives, that’s completely okay:
✅Wholemeal flour (naturally not fortified)
✅Heritage grains (spelt, einkorn, emmer, rye, oats)
✅Stoneground flour from small UK mills without additives ✅Sourdough or traditionally fermented bread
🌱 Some also prefer organic or minimally treated grains for peace of mind and that’s a personal choice
This isn’t about fear.
It’s about:
✅Awareness
✅Balance
✅Making informed choices
✅Listening to your body
❤️ Islam encourages us to choose what is halal and tayyib (pure and wholesome) and that can look different for each of us.
Wishing everyone wisdom.
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