Letter: Fruitless search for folic acid

DR TONY SMITH (Second Opinion, 6 February) writes that few women are taking folic acid in early pregnancy because most are not aware of the benefits.

I am aware of them, and recently tried to buy folic acid supplement from chemists in my area. The first 10 shops did not have it in stock; the eleventh offered to order it. Some suggested that I wait until I was pregnant and then get a doctor's prescription.

By then, of course, the critical time would probably have been missed.

There is obviously a need to educate pharmacists, not just women who are trying to get pregnant.

Margaret Hill

Wirral