Released on: May 8, 2008, 2:33 am

Press Release Author: The Food Doctor

Industry: Food & Beverage

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