scholarly journals Effect of increasing voluntary folic acid food fortification on dietary folate intakes and adequacy of reproductive-age women in New Zealand

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 1447-1453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie E Evans ◽  
Vanessa L Mygind ◽  
Meredith C Peddie ◽  
Jody C Miller ◽  
Lisa A Houghton
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Public Health Intervention ◽  
Food Composition ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Folate Intake ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dietary Folate ◽  
Reproductive Age Women ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveMandatory folic acid fortification of breads in New Zealand was put on hold in 2009. At this time, bread manufacturers were requested to adopt greater voluntary fortification and agreed to add folic acid to approximately one-third of their bread range. We sought to evaluate the impact of increased voluntary fortification of bread and the proposed mandatory fortification programme on folate intake adequacy of reproductive-age women.DesignCross-sectional study conducted in 2008. Dietary data were collected using 3 d weighed food records and usual folate intakes were generated by modifying the food composition table as follows: (i) voluntary fortification of bread as of 2008 (six breads); (ii) increased voluntary fortification of bread as of 2011 (thirty-four breads); and (iii) mandatory fortification of all breads. The prevalence of inadequate folate intake was calculated for all three scenarios using the Estimated Average Requirement (320 μg dietary folate equivalents/d) cut-point method.SettingNew Zealand.SubjectsHealthy non-pregnant women (n 125) aged 18–40 years.ResultsUsual folate intake in 2008 was 362 μg dietary folate equivalents/d. Increased voluntary bread fortification led to a marginal increase in folate intakes (394 μg dietary folate equivalents/d) and a decline in inadequacy from 37 % to 29 %. Mandatory fortification resulted in an increase of 89 μg folic acid/d, which substantially shifted both the proportion of women with folic acid intakes above 100 μg/d and the distribution of overall folate intakes, producing a marked reduction in inadequacy to 5 %.ConclusionsIncreased voluntary bread fortification efforts are far inferior to mandatory fortification as a reliable public health intervention.

scholarly journals Folic acid food fortification prevents inadequate folate intake among preschoolers from Ontario

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1548-1555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Hennessy-Priest ◽  
Jill Mustard ◽  
Heather Keller ◽  
Lee Rysdale ◽  
Joanne Beyers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Public Health Intervention ◽  
Folate Intake ◽  
Food Fortification ◽  
Folic Acid Intake ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dietary Folate ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Acid Intake ◽  
Fortified Food

AbstractObjectiveFolic acid food fortification has successfully reduced neural tube defect-affected pregnancies across Canada. The effect of this uncontrolled public health intervention on folate intake among Canadian children is, however, unknown. Our objectives were to determine folic acid intake from food fortification and whether fortification promoted adequate folate intakes, and to describe folic acid-fortified food usage among Ontario preschoolers.DesignCross-sectional data were used from the NutriSTEP™ validation project with preschoolers recruited using convenience sampling. Mean daily total folate and folic acid intakes were estimated from 3 d food records, which included multivitamin supplement use. Comparisons were made to Dietary Reference Intakes, accounting for and excluding fortificant folic acid, to determine the prevalence of inadequate and excessive intakes.SettingCanada.SubjectsTwo hundred and fifty-four preschoolers (aged 3–5 years).ResultsAll participants (130 girls, 124 boys) ate folic acid-fortified foods and 30 % (n76) used folic acid-containing supplements. Mean (se) fortificant folic acid intake was 83 (2) μg/d, which contributed 30 % and 50 % to total folate intake for supplement users and non-users, respectively. The prevalence of total folate intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement was <1 %; however, excluding fortificant folic acid, the prevalence was 32 %, 54 % and 47 % for 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds, respectively. The overall prevalence of folic acid (fortificant and supplemental) intakes above the Tolerable Upper Intake Level was 2 % (7 % among supplement users).ConclusionsFolic acid food fortification promotes dietary folate adequacy and did not appear to result in excessive folic acid intake unless folic acid-containing supplements were consumed.

The association of maternal dietary folate intake and folic acid supplementation with small-for-gestational-age births: a cross-sectional study in Northwest China

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (04) ◽  
pp. 459-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanshan Li ◽  
Danmeng Liu ◽  
Ruo Zhang ◽  
Fangliang Lei ◽  
Xin Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Northwest China ◽  
Folic Acid Supplementation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Folate Intake ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dietary Folate ◽  
Reduced Risk

AbstractThe effect of maternal folate intake on small-for-gestational-age (SGA) births remains inconclusive. The present study aimed to investigate the associations of maternal folate intake from diet and supplements with the risk of SGA births using data from a cross-sectional study in Shaanxi Province of Northwest China. A total of 7307 women who were within 12 months (median 3; 10th–90th percentile 0–7) after delivery were included. Two-level models were adopted to examine the associations of folate (dietary folate, supplemental folic acid and total folate) intake with the risk of SGA births and birth weight Z score, controlling for a minimum set of confounders that were identified in a directed acyclic graph. Results showed that a higher supplemental folic acid intake during the first trimester was negatively associated with the risk of SGA births (≤60 d v. non-use: OR 0·80; 95 % CI 0·66, 0·96; &gt;60 d v. non-use: OR 0·78; 95 % CI 0·65, 0·94; Ptrend = 0·010; per 10-d increase: OR 0·97; 95 % CI 0·95, 0·99). A higher total folate intake during pregnancy was associated with a reduced risk of SGA births (highest tertile v. lowest tertile: OR 0·77; 95 % CI 0·64, 0·94; Ptrend = 0·010; per one-unit increase in the log-transformed value: OR 0·81; 95 % CI 0·69, 0·95). A similar pattern was observed for the birth weight Z score. Our study suggested that folic acid supplementation during the first trimester and a higher total folate intake during pregnancy were associated with a reduced risk of SGA births.

scholarly journals Consumption of dietary folate estimates and its implication for reproductive outcome among women of reproductive age in Kersa: cross-sectional survey

BMC Nutrition ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nega Assefa ◽  
Yasir Y. Abdullahi ◽  
Aklilu Abraham ◽  
Elena C. Hemler ◽  
Isabel Madzorera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Folate Intake ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Eastern Ethiopia ◽  
Dietary Folate

Abstract Background Dietary folate inadequacy is one the most common micronutrient deficiencies that cause neural tube defect (NTD) among infants in Sub-Saharan African countries. This study aims to determine the dietary intake of folate among women of reproductive age (WRA) of Kersa, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study took place among voluntary women that were selected from 1140 random households. Using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire, participant’s weekly dietary intake history of Ethiopian foods and dietary folate intake was worked out. Statistical analysis was done at a 95% confidence interval. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with dietary folate consumption. Result The estimated median usual intake of folate was 170 μg/d (IQR: 118.3; 252.2) and about 33% of WRA had low folate intake and 73.9% were at risk for folate inadequacy. From the reported food groups, Beans and Peas, Starchy staples, and Vitamin-A rich dark-green leafy vegetables were the top three ranked foods that contributed much of the dietary folate. The following conditions were statistically related to dietary folate inadequacy; women’s age, being in poor wealth index, low dietary diversity, having seasonal employment, and reliance on market food sources. Conclusions We found that women’s dietary intake of folate in Kersa is very low and cannot protect their offspring from the risk of having NTD. They could also potentially be predisposed to poor health outcomes. Diversifying and fortification of Ethiopian wheats and salts could decrease the burden of folate deficiency in the country.

scholarly journals Consumption of Dietary Folate Estimates and Its Implication for Reproductive Outcome among Women of Reproductive Age in Kersa: Cross-Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nega Assefa ◽  
Yasir Y Abdullahi ◽  
Aklilu Abrham ◽  
Elena C Hemler ◽  
Isabel Madzorera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Folate Intake ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Eastern Ethiopia ◽  
Dietary Folate

Abstract Background: Dietary folate inadequacy is one the most common micronutrient deficiencies that causes neural tube defect (NTD) among infants in Sub-Saharan African countries. This study aims to determine the dietary intake of folate among women of reproductive age (WRA) of Kersa, Eastern Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study took place among voluntary women that were selected from 1140 random households. Using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire, participants weekly dietary intake history of Ethiopian foods and dietary folate intake was worked out. Statistical analysis was done at 95% confidence interval. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify factors that associated with dietary folate consumptionResult: The estimated median usual intake of folate was 170 ug/d (IQR: 118.3; 252.2) and about 33% WRA had low folate intake and 73.9% were at risk for folate inadequacy. From the reported food groups, Beans and Peas, Starchy staples, and Vitamin-A rich dark-green leafy vegetables were the top three ranked foods that contributed much of the dietary folate. The following conditions were statistically related with dietary folate inadequacy; women’s age, being in poor wealth index, low dietary diversity, having seasonal employment, and reliance on market food source.Conclusions: We found that women’s dietary intake of folate in Kersa is very low and cannot protect their offspring from having NTD. They could also potentially be predisposed poor health outcomes. Diversifying and fortification Ethiopian wheats and salts could decrease the burden of folate deficiency in the country.

Prevalence of inadequate intake of folate in the post-fortification era: data from the Brazilian National Dietary Surveys 2008-2009 and 2017-2018

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Cecília Zanin Palchetti ◽  
Josiane Steluti ◽  
Eliseu Verly ◽  
Eduardo de Carli ◽  
Rosely Sichieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Rank Order ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Folate Intake ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Dietary Folate ◽  
Dietary Folate Intake

Abstract The objectives were to compare the evolution of dietary folate intake, to estimate the prevalence of folate inadequacy (POFI) and the contribution of food groups to folate intake (dietary folate plus folic acid from fortified foods) in two post-fortification periods in the Brazilian population, according to life stages, geographic regions and per capita income. Population-based study including representative data from the National Dietary Survey - Brazilian Household Budget Surveys (NDS-HBS) 2008-2009 and 2017-2018, with a total of 32,749 (2008-2009) and 44,744 (2017-2018) individuals aged ≥10 years old, excluding pregnant and lactating women. The National Cancer Institute method was used to estimate the distributions of usual dietary folate intake. POFI was estimated according to Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) cut-off point method. After 10 years of the first NDS-HBS, POFI has increased in all sex-age groups, except for 10 to 13 y old. POFI among women of reproductive age was around 30% and 40% in 2008-2009 and 2017-2018, respectively. Higher POFI was observed in the North region. The top five food groups contributors to folate intake in Brazil were beans, breads, pasta & pizza, cakes & cookies and non-alcoholic beverages groups in both periods, differing in the rank order of the last two groups. Although being a country that has adopted mandatory folic acid flour fortification for almost two decades, increased POFI was observed in 2017-2018. This study brings significant scientific information, which can help understand folate dietary data in different contexts and consequently, guide the approach for public health fortification strategies.

Folate Nutritional Status among Psoriasis Patients not Exposed to Antifolate Drug

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 543-553
Author(s):  
Luciana Y. Tomita ◽  
Andréia C. da Costa ◽  
Solange Andreoni ◽  
Luiza K.M. Oyafuso ◽  
Vânia D’Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽  
Folate Intake ◽  
Serum Folate ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Folic Acid Fortification ◽  
Plasma Folate ◽  
Psoriasis Severity

Background: Folic acid fortification program has been established to prevent tube defects. However, concern has been raised among patients using anti-folate drug, i.e. psoriatic patients, a common, chronic, autoimmune inflammatory skin disease associated with obesity and smoking. Objective: To investigate dietary and circulating folate, vitamin B12 (B12) and homocysteine (hcy) in psoriatic subjects exposed to the national mandatory folic acid fortification program. Methods: Cross-sectional study using the Food Frequency Questionnaire, plasma folate, B12, hcy and psoriasis severity using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score. Median, interquartile ranges (IQRs) and linear regression models were conducted to investigate factors associated with plasma folate, B12 and hcy. Results: 82 (73%) mild psoriasis, 18 (16%) moderate and 12 (11%) severe psoriasis. 58% female, 61% non-white, 31% former smokers, and 20% current smokers. Median (IQRs) were 51 (40, 60) years. Only 32% reached the Estimated Average Requirement of folate intake. Folate and B12 deficiencies were observed in 9% and 6% of the blood sample respectively, but hyperhomocysteinaemia in 21%. Severity of psoriasis was negatively correlated with folate and B12 concentrations. In a multiple linear regression model, folate intake contributed positively to 14% of serum folate, and negative predictors were psoriasis severity, smoking habits and saturated fatty acid explaining 29% of circulating folate. Conclusion: Only one third reached dietary intake of folate, but deficiencies of folate and B12 were low. Psoriasis severity was negatively correlated with circulating folate and B12. Stopping smoking and a folate rich diet may be important targets for managing psoriasis.

Seven-year trends in the availability, sugar content and serve size of single-serve non-alcoholic beverages in New Zealand: 2013–2019

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Teresa Gontijo de Castro ◽  
Helen Eyles ◽  
Cliona Ni Mhurchu ◽  
Leanne Young ◽  
Sally Mackay
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Food Composition ◽  
Soft Drinks ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Slight Reduction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sweetened Beverages ◽  
Sugary Drinks ◽  
High Sugar Content

Abstract Objective: To assess trends in relative availability, sugar content and serve size of ready-to-drink non-alcoholic beverages available for sale in supermarkets from 2013 to 2019. Design: Repeat cross-sectional surveys. Data on single-serve beverages to be consumed in one sitting were obtained from an updated brand-specific food composition database. Trends in beverages availability and proportions with serve size ≤ 250 ml were assessed by χ2 tests. Sugar content trends were examined using linear regressions. The proportion of beverages exceeding the sugar threshold of the United Kingdom Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL) was assessed. Setting: New Zealand. Results: From 2013 to 2019, there was (i) an increase in the availability of sugar-free/low-sugar beverages (n 25 (8·4 %) to n 75 (19·1 %); P < 0·001) and craft sugar-sweetened soft drinks (n 11 (3·7 %) to n 36 (9·2 %); P < 0·001), and a decrease in availability of fruit/vegetable juices/drinks (n 94 (31·8 %) to n 75 (19·4 %); P < 0·001); (ii) small decreases in sugar content (mean g/100 ml) of sugar-sweetened soft drinks (3·03; 95 % CI 3·77, 2·29); fruit/vegetable juices/drinks (1·08; 95 % CI 2·14, 0·01) and energy drinks (0·98; 95 % CI 1·63, 0·32) and (iii) slight reduction in the proportion of beverages with serve size ≤ 250 ml (21·6 to 18·9 %; P < 0·001). In 2019, most beverages were sugar-sweetened or had naturally occurring sugars (79·1 %) and serve size > 250 ml (81·1 %) and most sugar-sweetened beverages exceeded the SDIL lower benchmark (72·9 %). Conclusions: Most single-serve beverages available for sale in 2019 were sugary drinks with high sugar content and large serve sizes; therefore, changes made across the years were not meaningful for population’s health.

Comparative assessment of overweight/obesity among rural and urban reproductive-age women in Ethiopia: Evidence from a cross-sectional 2016 national survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 026010602098234
Author(s):  
Gizachew Worku Dagnew ◽  
Melash Belachew Asresie
Keyword(s):  
Family Size ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Rural Women ◽  
Alcohol Intake ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Reproductive Age Women

Background: Overweight/obesity has become a global health problem for both developed and developing regions. Nowadays, overweight/obesity among childrearing-age women has become rapidly increasing in both urban and rural areas. Aim: This study aimed to assess the variation of overweight/obesity among urban and rural reproductive-age women in Ethiopia. Methods: For this study, the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey data were used. The survey was a community-based cross-sectional study, which used a two-stage stratified cluster sampling technique to select the participants. A total of 13,451 reproductive-age women were included in the analysis. Both descriptive and analytical analysis was performed. A p-value of less than 0.05 was used as the measure of statistical significance. Results: The prevalence of overweight/obesity among urban reproductive-age women was statistically higher ( p = 21.5%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 18.2–25.1) than the rural women ( p = 3.5%; 95% CI: 2.9%–4.2%). Women who attend secondary or above education, women in the age groups 25–34 and ≥ 35 years, and high wealth index (rich) had higher odds of overweight/obesity in both urban and rural women. Moreover, women who were married, who had a large family size, and who have a history of alcohol intake had higher odds of overweight/obesity among urban women. Conclusions: Overweight/obesity among reproductive-age women is a public health problem in Ethiopia, especially for women who are living in urban settings. Therefore, it is important to establish targeted overweight reduction programs with particular emphasis on urban, older aged, educated, and married women. Additionally, encouraging the limitation of the number of family size and alcohol intake can reduce women’s overweight/obesity.

scholarly journals The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Menstrual Abnormalities—a Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 4505-4509
Author(s):  
Anna Różańska-Walędziak ◽  
Paweł Bartnik ◽  
Joanna Kacperczyk-Bartnik ◽  
Krzysztof Czajkowski ◽  
Maciej Walędziak
Keyword(s):  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Obese Women ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Contraception Use ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Obesity is associated with hyperestrogenism along with other hormonal abnormalities affecting the menstrual cycle. The most effective and decisive method of obesity treatment is bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of bariatric surgery on menstrual cycle, the incidence of menstrual abnormalities, hyperandrogenism manifestation, and contraception use. Materials and Methods It was a cross-sectional study of 515 pre-menopausal women who had undergone bariatric surgery between 1999 and 2017 in a bariatric center. Data was collected via anonymous questionnaire, and the questions covered a 1-year period before the surgery and the last year before questionnaire completion. Results Before the surgery, 38.6% of the patients reported irregular menstruations in comparison with 25.0% after bariatric surgery (RR = 0.65; 95%CI 0.53–0.79). The mean number of menstruations per year did not differ before and after surgery (10.2 ± 3.9 vs 10.4 ± 3.3; p < .45). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of prolonged menstruations, acne, and hirsutism prevalence. A total of 14.4% of patients before surgery reported estrogen-based contraception use in comparison with 15.0% after the surgery (p < .95). There were no significant differences in the frequency of OC use (11.0% before surgery vs 13.6% 12 months after the surgery vs 11.5% at the moment of survey administration; p < 0.46). Conclusion Bariatric surgery improves the regularity of the menstrual cycle in obese women in reproductive age. The lack of any changes in the combined hormonal contraception (CHC) use, especially OC, before and after bariatric surgery may be a result of a possibly low level of contraception counseling.

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