How to reduce the risk of congenital neural defects in babies
Insufficient intake of folic acid and iron among women of reproductive age in Serbia leads to an increased risk of congenital neural defects in newborns, such as spina bifida and hydrocephalus, as well as chronic anemia in the general population. Although health regulations have partially recognized the importance of prevention and adopted amendments to the Food Safety Law in 2019, which open up the possibility of adopting by-laws on fortification, Serbia still does not implement mandatory fortification of basic food products, such as flour, with vitamin B9 and iron.
