In the UK, flour "must be fortified with folic acid to reduce birth defects"

Reports suggest that the flour in the UK needs to be fortified with folic acid to help reduce congenital anomalies.

Doctors have long called for the move, saying it could reduce the incidence of diseases such as spina bifida.

Health officials invite pregnant women and those who are trying to conceive to take a daily supplement of 400 micrograms of folic acid, at least until the 12th week of pregnancy.

But many women do not take supplements, especially if a pregnancy is not planned.

The NHS Choices website says that folic acid is important for fetal growth and can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

The Guardian reported that ministers backed a plan to fortify flour with folic acid – which is already the case in more than 80 countries.

It had previously been recommended to fortify wheat flour with folic acid to improve the "folate status" of the population and reduce the risk of birth defects.

The newspaper said the policy would be introduced in a few weeks.

Kate Steele, executive director of the Shine charity, which helps families affected by neural tube defects, told The Guardian: "Mandatory fortification will change the game for the UK.

"The government's decision to introduce mandatory fortification will have a major positive impact on the health and well-being of babies born in the future. In many cases, it will be the difference between life and death. "

Public Health England told the newspaper that fortification of flour with folic acid "is an effective and safe measure to reduce the number of pregnancies affected by neural tube defects".

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs said: "Ministers plan to call in experts and react in a timely manner."