We have long known that if women take folic acid supplements during the first months of pregnancy (and preferably just before getting pregnant too), it decreases the likelihood of babies being born with neural tube defects. Research has shown, however, that not enough women in the UK are choosing to take the supplements. Obviously, the Government's public information campaign about folic acid supplementation is not succeeding. It is time that the UK followed the lead of countries that require that flour and some other basic or staple foods are fortified with folic acid during the manufacturing process. This strategy provides the necessary levels of folic acid to women who become pregnant, without the need for supplements and without bringing any harm to the wider population.