Iron and folate supplements during pregnancy: supplementing everyone treats those at risk and is cost effective.

Iron and folate supplements during pregnancy: supplementing everyone treats those at risk and is cost effective Elizabeth Horn Prescribing prophylactic supplements of iron and folic acid to pregnant women has been widespread practice in the United Kingdom since the late 1950s. In recent years, however, this policy has been criticised'2 and is no longer considered to be necessary by some obste- tricians and general practitioners.