Press Release Summary: Over recent years, bread has been demonised by the popularity of low-carb diets and fitness fads alike, with the common claim of bloating and weight gain. However, bread has historically been a beneficial carrier of natural nutrition, so to bring women back to bread, leading nutrition brand and consultancy, The Food Doctor, has launched 'Bread For Women'.
Press Release Body: Over recent years, bread has been demonised by the popularity of low-carb diets and fitness fads alike, with the common claim of bloating and weight gain. However, bread has historically been a beneficial carrier of natural nutrition, so to bring women back to bread, leading nutrition brand and consultancy, The Food Doctor, has launched 'Bread For Women'.
Too frequently, eating fads starve women of the essential nutrients they need to be healthy. Two slices a day of 'Bread For Women' provide the essential nutrients for all round female health, including Folic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Selenium, Vitamin E, Vit B complex, including Vit B12, and Fibre, as a pre-biotic, (see notes to editor for full benefits of the vitamins and minerals provided). These nutrients are commonly recognised as necessary to ward off the incidence of osteoporosis later in life; anaemia; to raise immunity; and improve hormonal health.
Specifically developed to address women's nutritional needs, 'Bread For Women' also provides a convenient way of providing 100% RDA of folic acid in just two slices. The loaf is a UK-first and the inclusion of folic acid is in line with the Food Standard Agency's (FSA) recommendation of mandatory fortification of bread flour with folic acid for general female health and the delivery of healthy babies.
The Food Doctor has partnered with BDF Newlife, as their chosen charity to benefit from all sales of 'Bread For Women'. BDF Newlife has for 12 years been dedicated to countering birth defects and improving the chances of babies being born healthy. In aid and support of the charity, The Food Doctor has provided corporate sponsorship to BDF Newlife by way of a substantial donation to the charity, as well as a contribution from the sale of each loaf toward this very worthwhile cause. BDF Newlife has campaigned for the mandatory fortification of bread with folic acid, and believes that the FSA's recommendation, with the support of Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), will help reduce the estimated 700 - 900 pregnancies* per annum affected by neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. Since compulsory folic acid fortification was introduced in 1998 in the US and Canada, the number of births affected by neural defects is said to have fallen by 50%.In the UK 47% of women are deficient in folic acid, which leaves them open to a greater incidence of neural birth defects than in countries where folic acid is consumed at the recommended levels.
Sheila Brown OBE, Chief Executive and co-founder of BDF Newlife said: \"The fortification of folic acid will make a significant difference in reducing the number of birth defects, as was seen in the US and Canada. Until fortification occurs, following up on Government advice, The Food Doctor has now set the agenda by launching \'Bread For Women\' and we hope that this is the start of similar products giving women the clear opportunity to act to prevent conditions, such as spina bifida.\"
Fertility and pregnancy expert, Zita West, also supports this innovative product; \"Building the maternal store of Folic Acid is important when planning for a pregnancy. 'Bread for Women' provides women with a useful alternative source with which to supplement their everyday diet.\"
Leading Obstetrician, Patrick O'Brien at University College Hospital London, concurs, stating that: "We have known for some time that deficiency of Folic acid in a woman's diet increases her risk of having a baby with spina bifida and other neural tube defects. The experience from the US and Canada is clear: fortification of bread flour with Folic acid has led to a marked fall in the number of babies being born with this major disability". He supports those medical researchers and doctors who have been pushing for fortification of bread and sees this initiative by The Food Doctor as a positive move.
Writing in the Lancet a group of UK doctors have urged the government to proceed with the move towards fortifying flour with folic acid, dismissing any link between folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiency or colon cancer, which has been cited in the past, and believe that any minimal risk is far outweighed by the benefits of fortification.
'Bread For Women' (RRP £1.19) is available in the bread aisle now at Waitrose, ASDA, Budgens and Booths and will soon be available nationwide.
Folic Acid has been shown as essential for women's health and also protects against neural tube birth defects. It is critical during conception and important during early pregnancy when it helps to regulate embryonic and foetal nerve cell formation. Nationally there is a serious deficit in folic acid consumption with 47% of women deficient in this Vitamin B complex. RDA is 200mcg per day, and 2 slices of Bread For Women provides 100%, and half that required when pregnant of 400mcg.
Calcium maintains strong bones and healthy teeth. It is also important in the maintenance of a regular heartbeat and in the transmission of nerve impulses. The RDA is given at 800mg so again 2 slices provides 100% of that required. Calcium requirements also rise in pregnancy and breast feeding. It also needs Vit D to metabolise, which is also included in Bread For Women.
Iron prevents iron-deficient anaemia Iron deficiencies can lead to anaemia, brittle hair, digestive disturbances, obesity and long-term illness, and is a major health issue amongst young girls on poor diets and in pregnancy (when the baby takes much of its mother's iron). 14mg is the RDA so 70% is provided by 2 slices.
Selenium is a vital antioxidant, especially when combined with vitamin E. It protects the immune system by preventing the formation of free radicals that can damage the body's DNA. Selenium also plays a vital role in regulating the effects of thyroid hormone on fat metabolism. There is no RDA
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, it also improves oxygen utilisation and enhances immune system response. Bread For Women provides 100% RDA in two slices at 10mg.
Vitamin B in all its forms is described as Vit B Complex and this is provided at 60-100% RDA, including Vit B12 at 100%. Vitamin B12 deficiency may be masked by folic acid supplements, so 'Bread For Women' covers this issue. B vitamins keep the nervous system, muscles and heart functioning optimally and aid in the health of skin and the digestive tract.
Vitamin C protects the immune system and has a role in brain function and like Vitamin D also helps the absorption of calcium. Both are provided as 100% RDA, per portion.
Fibre helps to lower blood cholesterol and stabilise blood sugar levels. It helps to prevent colon cancer, constipation, haemorrhoids, obesity and many other digestive disorders. Working as a Pre-biotic, fibre may also help in improving mineral absorption and balance and may have anti-osteoporotic activity.
About The Food Doctor:
The Food Doctor is a unique concept that gives sensible advice for positive health and well-being. Ian Marber MBANT Dip ION, Nutrition Consultant, author, broadcaster and health journalist, co-founded The Food Doctor Nutrition Clinic in 1999. Ian is one of the country\'s leading nutritionists and acknowledged expert in his field.
As principal consultant at The Food Doctor Clinic, Ian and his team conduct one to one consultations with clients, advising on all aspects of nutrition and the effect incorrect food choices can have on one's physical health and well-being. The Food Doctor consultants work closely alongside their clients identifying their individual needs and helping them to make necessary lifestyle and diet changes to achieve and then maintain optimum health.
The Food Doctor range of products has been developed to help promote healthier eating and maintain improved health and range from seeds and bagels to breads and ready-made meals. The products and are stocked in most leading supermarkets and independent food stores in the UK.
Web Site: http://www.thefooddoctor.com/
Contact Details: The Food Doctor Limited 76 - 78 Holland Park Avenue London W11 3RB info@thefooddoctor.com 020 7792 6700
2025
