The supplement has been proven to prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, which affect on average 64 pregnancies a year in New Zealand and are incredibly costly to the health system. Folic acid supplements must be taken before conception to be fully effective, but more than half of pregnancies in New Zealand are unplanned.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2023/08/14/most-bread-and-flour-now-fortified-with-folic-acid-expert-reaction/