scholarly journals Folic acid supplement use and menstrual cycle characteristics: a cross-sectional study of Danish pregnancy planners

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (10) ◽  
pp. 723-729.e1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi T. Cueto ◽  
Anders H. Riis ◽  
Elizabeth E. Hatch ◽  
Lauren A. Wise ◽  
Kenneth J. Rothman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Folic Acid Supplement ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Acid Supplement

Prevalence and correlates of high red blood cell folate concentrations in the Canadian population using 3 proposed cut-offs

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (10) ◽  
pp. 1025-1030 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia K. Colapinto ◽  
Deborah L. O’Connor ◽  
Lise Dubois ◽  
Mark S. Tremblay
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Blood Cell ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Red Blood Cell ◽  
Folic Acid Supplement ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Folate Status ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Acid Supplement ◽  
Nationally Representative

A distinct shift towards higher folate concentrations has emerged in Canada. These higher concentrations have known benefits, including prevention of neural tube defects, but concerns have been raised regarding potential associations with adverse health outcomes. The aim of this research was to propose cut-offs for high red blood cell (RBC) folate concentrations and identify their correlates. RBC folate was measured in a nationally representative cross-sectional sample of Canadians (N = 5248) aged 6 to 79 years. RBC folate concentrations were adjusted from the IMMULITE 2000 immunoassay to a microbiologic assay. The population was characterized at 3 RBC folate cut-offs: 1450 nmol/L, 1800 nmol/L, and 2150 nmol/L. We used t tests to examine differences by age, sex, income, and body mass index (BMI) at each cut-off and logistic regression to explore associations with folic acid supplement intake. The prevalence of high RBC folate was 16%, 6%, and 2% at thresholds of 1450 nmol/L, 1800 nmol/L, and 2150 nmol/L, respectively. Females, those aged 60 to 79 years, and overweight or obese participants had the greatest prevalence of having high RBC folate at each cut-off. Folic acid supplement users were more likely than non-users to have high RBC folate concentrations. Older age, higher BMI, and folic acid supplement use were identified as correlates of high folate status. A high RBC folate concentration cut-off will advance the field towards consistent measurement and reporting of high folate status. This may facilitate future investigation of associations between RBC folate concentrations at the upper end of the distribution and health outcomes.

scholarly journals Epidemiology and (Patho)Physiology of Folic Acid Supplement Use in Obese Women before and during Pregnancy

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 331
Author(s):  
Melissa van der Windt ◽  
Sam Schoenmakers ◽  
Bas van Rijn ◽  
Sander Galjaard ◽  
Régine Steegers-Theunissen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Folate Deficiency ◽  
Folate Intake ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Obese Women ◽  
Folic Acid Supplement ◽  
Physiological Uptake ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Acid Supplement

Preconception folic acid supplement use is a well-known method of primary prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs). Obese women are at a higher risk for having a child with a NTD. As different international recommendations on folic acid supplement use for obese women before and during pregnancy exist, this narrative review provides an overview of epidemiology of folate deficiency in obese (pre)pregnant women, elaborates on potential mechanisms underlying folate deficiency, and discusses considerations for the usage of higher doses of folic acid supplements. Women with obesity more often suffer from an absolute folate deficiency, as they are less compliant to periconceptional folic acid supplement use recommendations. In addition, their dietary folate intake is limited due to an unbalanced diet (relative malnutrition). The association of obesity and NTDs also seems to be independent of folate intake, with studies suggesting an increased need of folate (relative deficiency) due to derangements involved in other pathways. The relative folate deficiency, as a result of an increased metabolic need for folate in obese women, can be due to: (1) low-grade chronic inflammation (2) insulin resistance, (3) inositol, and (4) dysbiotic gut microbiome, which plays a role in folate production and uptake. In all these pathways, the folate-dependent one-carbon metabolism is involved. In conclusion, scientific evidence of the involvement of several folate-related pathways implies to increase the recommended folic acid supplementation in obese women. However, the physiological uptake of synthetic folic acid is limited and side-effects of unmetabolized folic acid in mothers and offspring, in particular variations in epigenetic (re)programming with long-term health effects, cannot be excluded. Therefore, we emphasize on the urgent need for further research and preconception personalized counseling on folate status, lifestyle, and medical conditions.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Patterns of Dietary Supplement Use among Students Attending King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 58 ◽  
pp. 004695802110208
Author(s):  
Abdulraof Alqrache ◽  
Mostafa Mostafa ◽  
Omar Ghabrah ◽  
Ziyad Ghabrah ◽  
Nezar Kamal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Herbal Products ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
King Abdulaziz University ◽  
Dietary Supplement Use ◽  
Harmful Effects ◽  
Selection Of

Oral dietary supplements (DSs) include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, energy drinks, and herbal products. The use of DSs is increasing and their manufacturers promote their benefits. Studies have validated some of these benefits, but have also indicated that some DSs can have adverse effects, especially if used without the appropriate supervision. Little information on DS use among Saudis is available. This study assessed the use of dietary supplements among male and female university students with the goal of educating the community about DSs and the dangers associated with their misuse. Online and paper validated questionnaires were administered to King Abdulaziz University (KAU) students between September 2019 and January 2020. The responses were collected and analyzed statistically. Of the 954 KAU students who completed the survey, one-third used DSs (42.9% women vs 25.7% men). Of these, 51.7% believed that DSs are essential for health, 41.7% classified them as both food and drugs, 67.2% were aware that DSs could not replace a healthy diet, and 25.8% were aware of their potentially harmful effects. Multivitamins and minerals were the most used DSs. DS awareness among KAU students is limited. Additional health education is necessary to assist students in their selection of the most suitable DSs.

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