Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism

Original Paper

Dietary Folate Intake and Blood Biomarkers Reveal High-Risk Groups in a Mediterranean Population of Healthy Women of Childbearing Potential

Agodi A.a · Barchitta M.a · Valenti G.a · Quattrocchi A.a · Marchese A.E.b · Oliveri Conti G.a · Fallico R.a · Sciacca S.a · Ferrante M.a

Author affiliations

aDepartment GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, and bAzienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy

Keywords: Dietary folatePregnancyHomocysteineMediterranean dietMTHFRRed blood cell folateSmoke exposure

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Ann Nutr Metab 2013;63:179-185
https://doi.org/10.1159/000346962

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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Original Paper

Received: July 06, 2012
Accepted: January 07, 2013
Published online: September 14, 2013
Issue release date: December 2013

Number of Print Pages: 7
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 2

ISSN: 0250-6807 (Print)
eISSN: 1421-9697 (Online)

For additional information: https://www.karger.com/ANM

Abstract

Background/Aims: An important public health issue is monitoring folate inadequacy in women of childbearing potential. The aim of the present study was to investigate associations between folate intake, red blood cell (RBC) folate, total homocysteine (tHcy) and the MTHFR 677T allele. Methods: A total of 204 women were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Folate intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire, and RBC folate, tHcy and MTHFR C677T genotype were determined. Results: About half of the women had a decreased RBC folate level (<305 nmol/l) and all were <906 nmol/l, even though 51% of the subjects reported use of supplements. Overall 91.5% had a high Hcy concentration. Notably, younger women, and those with a low level of education, were shown to be at higher risk of inadequate RBC folate levels. Additionally, younger women were also at higher risk of carrying the TT genotype, particularly unfavorable in the setting of a low folate status. Conclusions: Our study revealed significant folate deficiency in our Mediterranean population and higher than ideal Hcy concentrations, thus emphasizing that in these groups an improvement in the folate status is needed via a food-based approach or supplement. Consequently, public health policy strategies aiming at improved supplementation are required.

© 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel



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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Original Paper

Received: July 06, 2012
Accepted: January 07, 2013
Published online: September 14, 2013
Issue release date: December 2013

Number of Print Pages: 7
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 2

ISSN: 0250-6807 (Print)
eISSN: 1421-9697 (Online)

For additional information: https://www.karger.com/ANM

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2013, Vol.63, No. 3

December 2013

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