Folic acid is to be added to non-wholemeal flour across the UK to prevent brain and spinal conditions in foetuses.

It is expected that the number of pregnancies affected by life-threatening issues like spina bifida could fall by more than a fifth.

The government is consulting on its proposal to add 250 micrograms of folic acid per 100 grams of flour, following a consultation with industry and stakeholders. The public health policy is already in place in Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Around 1,000 pregnancies a year are affected by neural tube defects - a rare developmental condition, which occurs very early in pregnancy, when the brain, spine or spinal cord do not develop properly in the womb.

Birthing parents already advised to take a 400-microgram folic acid supplement every day before conceiving and up to the 12th week of pregnancy.

Minister for Public Health Maggie Throup said: "Neural tube defects can have a devastating impact on life expectancy and quality of life.

"This simple step will ensure more women who might be pregnant, or who are trying to conceive, will have increased intakes of folic acid, leading to a large reduction in the number of foetuses affected by neural tube defects each year.

"I want to encourage anyone with an interest in this issue to participate in the consultation and help us deliver life-saving changes."

Image: Pixabay