Letter: Pregnant women's diets are a priority - The Guardian 4th January 2008

Two separate stories, based on two separate authoritative reports, appeared on the same page last Thursday (Folic acid may cut premature births by 70%; E-numbers should be banned in food and drink, say MPs, January 31). One advocated more folic acid for pregnant women, the other more omega-3 fatty acids. The common theme was the need to improve the diets of pregnant women. Years of research have demonstrated that patterns of ill-health in adults are laid down in the womb. Nutritional deficiencies then undermine not just physical health but also mental health, including brain development, affecting future education, training and productivity. This also has an increased risk of Alzheimer's in old age.

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