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Maternal B vitamin status in pregnancy week 18 according to reported use of folic acid supplements
Author(s) -
BjørkeMonsen Anne Lise,
Roth Christine,
Magnus Per,
Midttun Øivind,
Nilsen Roy M.,
ReichbornKjennerud Ted,
Stoltenberg Camilla,
Susser Ezra,
Vollset Stein Emil,
Ueland Per Magne
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
molecular nutrition and food research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.495
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1613-4133
pISSN - 1613-4125
DOI - 10.1002/mnfr.201200114
Subject(s) - pregnancy , methylmalonic acid , cobalamin , riboflavin , micronutrient , medicine , vitamin , homocysteine , folic acid , b vitamins , pyridoxal , physiology , endocrinology , vitamin b12 , chemistry , food science , biochemistry , biology , genetics , phosphate , pathology
Scope Epidemiological studies on the association between pregnancy outcomes and use of periconceptional folic acid are often based on maternal reported intake. Use of folic acid during pregnancy is associated with a higher socioeconomic status known to have an impact on diet quality. We have studied plasma B vitamin status according to reported use of folic acid supplements during the periconceptional period in N orwegian women. Methods and results Plasma levels of folate, cobalamin, pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (vitamin B 6), riboflavin, and the metabolic markers total homocysteine, methylmalonic acid and 3‐hydro‐xykynurenine were measured in pregnancy week 18 and related to reported intake of folic acid from 4 weeks prior to conception throughout week 18 in 2911 women from the N orwegian M other and C hild C ohort S tudy ( M o B a) conducted by the N orwegian I nstitute of P ublic H ealth. Being a folic acid user during the periconceptional period was associated with a better socioeconomic status, and a higher intake of several micronutrients, including vitamins, trace‐metals, and omega 3 fatty acids. Folic acid users had a significantly better plasma B vitamin status. Conclusion Epidemiological data based on maternal reported intake of folic acid supplements during pregnancy, should take into account the numerous nutritional implications, in addition to higher blood folate levels, of being a folic acid user.