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B vitamin status and concentrations of homocysteine in Canadian women of childbearing age
Author(s) -
Shuaibi Aysheh M,
House James D,
Sevenhuysen Gustaaf
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.5.a705-a
Subject(s) - fortification , vitamin b12 , folic acid , medicine , food fortification , dietary reference intake , fortified food , homocysteine , vitamin , food science , neural tube defect , vitamin c , pregnancy , nutrient , environmental health , biology , endocrinology , fetus , ecology , genetics
Mandatory folic acid fortification of cereal‐grain products was introduced in 1998 to decrease the risk of having children with neural tube defects. Little is known about the vitamin B status of Canadian women of childbearing age after folic acid fortification era. The study objectives were to investigate folate, vitamin B6 and B12 status, and total homocysteine status, to investigate the existing pattern, and to estimate the contribution of folate intakes. Using a cross‐sectional study design, a fasting blood sample was obtained from 95 women at child bearing age. Dietary and supplemental intakes for nutrient were assessed. No women had biochemical evidence of folate deficiency, 5%six of ninety five of women were deficient in vitamin B6 and 3% had low vitamin B12, Hyperhomocysteinaemia > 12.0 μmol/l occurred in 2.1% of women. Dietary intake mean ± SD of food folic acid was 96 ± 63.9 μg/d, supplemental folic acid 94.9 ± 189.3 μg/d, the intake from natural folate 314.4± 134.3 μg/d, and the total intakes as DFES was 645.7±368.4 μg DFEs/d, derived mainly form bakery products (28%), vegetables (18%), pasta and rice (15%), juices (13%), milk and dairy products(6%), ready to eat cereal (5%). These data suggest that women of childbearing age are achieving positive folate balance and RBC concentrations associated with reduced risk of NTD following FA fortification of the food supply. Intakes of folic acid from fortified foods are within the level originally predicted for the fortification. Supported by Canadian Egg Marketing Agency and ARDI