Manitoba to cut PST from prenatal vitamins on July 1

Manitoba to cut PST from prenatal vitamins on July 1

Folate in supplements helps reduce risk of birth defects

The Manitoba government says it will be removing the provincial sales tax from prenatal vitamins starting July 1.

Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine said in a news release Tuesday it's part of broader efforts to support healthy pregnancies and women's reproductive health.

The Public Health Agency of Canada notes the importance of folate, found in prenatal vitamins, for the healthy growth and development of babies.

Folate intake helps reduce the risk of birth defects called neural tube defects, improving outcomes for newborns.