scholarly journals Effects of folic acid food fortification scenarios on the folate intake of a multi-ethnic pregnant population

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 738-749 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana A Teixeira ◽  
Teresa G Castro ◽  
Clare R Wall ◽  
Dirce Maria Marchioni ◽  
Sarah Berry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Ethnic Group ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Folate Intake ◽  
Food Fortification ◽  
Breakfast Cereals ◽  
Green Leafy Vegetables

AbstractObjectiveTo simulate effects of different scenarios of folic acid fortification of food on dietary folate equivalents (DFE) intake in an ethnically diverse sample of pregnant women.DesignA forty-four-item FFQ was used to evaluate dietary intake of the population. DFE intakes were estimated for different scenarios of food fortification with folic acid: (i) voluntary fortification; (ii) increased voluntary fortification; (iii) simulated bread mandatory fortification; and (iv) simulated grains-and-rice mandatory fortification.SettingEthnically and socio-economically diverse cohort of pregnant women in New Zealand.ParticipantsPregnant women (n 5664) whose children were born in 2009–2010.ResultsParticipants identified their ethnicity as European (56·0 %), Asian (14·2 %), Māori (13·2 %), Pacific (12·8 %) or Others (3·8 %). Bread, breakfast cereals and yeast spread were main food sources of DFE in the two voluntary fortification scenarios. However, for Asian women, green leafy vegetables, bread and breakfast cereals were main contributors of DFE in these scenarios. In descending order, proportions of different ethnic groups in the lowest tertile of DFE intake for the four fortification scenarios were: Asian (39–60 %), Others (41–44 %), European (31–37 %), Pacific (23–26 %) and Māori (23–27 %). In comparisons within each ethnic group across scenarios of food fortification with folic acid, differences were observed only with DFE intake higher in the simulated grains-and-rice mandatory fortification v. other scenarios.ConclusionsIf grain and rice fortification with folic acid was mandatory in New Zealand, DFE intakes would be more evenly distributed among pregnant women of different ethnicities, potentially reducing ethnic group differences in risk of lower folate intakes.

scholarly journals The question is whether intake of folic acid from diet alone during pregnancy is sufficient

2014 ◽  
Vol 67 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 313-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ines Banjari ◽  
Vlatka Matokovic ◽  
Vedrana Skoro
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Folate Deficiency ◽  
Folic Acid Supplementation ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
General Belief ◽  
Green Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Wide Range

Pregnancy and Folic Acid. Pregnancy is the most important period in life of every woman, partially for the number of physiological adaptations she is going through, partially for the expectance of new life. In addition, pregnancy is the ?critical window? for development later in childhood, as a period of foetal programming during which nutrition plays one of crucial roles. Despite the general belief that nutrition through pregnancy is adequate and characterized by better nutritional habits, a number of studies do not corroborate this belief. Role of Folic Acid. An adequate folate blood level is necessary for normal cell growth, synthesis of several compounds including deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid, proper brain and neurologic functions; it is included in the regulation of homocysteine level, and closely related to the vitamin B12 metabolism. Folate deficiency in pregnancy is related to neural tube defects, other neurological disorders, preterm delivery and low birth weight. Food sources. A correlation between folate and the prevention of broad spectrum of chronic diseases has been confirmed. Emerging evidence from the epigenetic studies is now bringing even more light on the level of significance of folic acid. A wide range of plant and animal foods are the natural sources of folate; liver, yeast, mushrooms, and green leafy vegetables being the most significant. Different ways of food preparation influence the folate stability and its bioavailability varies from 25 to 50% from foods, 85% from enriched foods or 100% from supplements. Conclusion. A great amount of scientific results has led to official recommendations for folic acid supplementation in pregnant women as well as in a number of obligatory or voluntary fortification programmes in order to prevent the folate deficiency on the level of different population groups. Nevertheless, there must be a certain level of precaution for elderly because folate can mask the vitamin B12 deficiency with possible fatal outcomes.

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.

Nutritional Status of Rural Pregnant Women of Haryana State, Northern India

2002 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudesh Jood ◽  
Saroj Bishnoi ◽  
Neelam Khetarpaul
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Fats And Oils ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Green Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Northern India ◽  
Daily Food ◽  
Limited Food ◽  
Vegetables And Fruits

Average daily food intakes of 90 rural pregnant women belonging to arid, semi-arid and wet zones of Haryana State, Northern India have been determined. As a result of questionnaires and interviews, food intake for three consecutive days were collected. Intakes of cereals, pulses, roots and tubers, other vegetables and sugar and jaggery by the respondents were significantly lower than the prescribed Indian Recommended Dietary Intakes (RDI). The consumption of milk and milk products and fats and oils was significantly higher than that of RDI whereas, green leafy vegetables and fruits were the most limited food items. As the diets of rural pregnant women were inadequate with respect to some food groups, which resulted in lower intake of protein, β-carotene and ascorbic acid. Despite their poor intake their weights and heights were not much below the standards. BMI classification projected that only about one fourth of the respondents were underweight. There is pressing need to educate rural pregnant women regarding their increased nutritional requirements.

scholarly journals Plasma folate and its association with folic acid supplementation, socio-demographic and lifestyle factors among New Zealand pregnant women

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (8) ◽  
pp. 910-918 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhodi E. Bulloch ◽  
Lesley M. E. McCowan ◽  
John M. D. Thompson ◽  
Lisa A. Houghton ◽  
Clare R. Wall
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Singleton Pregnancy ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Plasma Folate ◽  
Nulliparous Women ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractFolic acid (FA) supplementation is recommended in the periconceptional period, for the prevention of neural tube defects. Limited data are available on the folate status of New Zealand (NZ) pregnant women and its association with FA supplementation intake. Objectives were to examine the relationship between plasma folate (PF) and reported FA supplement use at 15 weeks’ gestation and to explore socio-demographic and lifestyle factors associated with PF. We used data and blood samples from NZ participants of the Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints cohort study. Healthy nulliparous women with singleton pregnancy (n 1921) were interviewed and blood samples collected. PF was analysed via microbiological assay. Of the participants, 73 % reported taking an FA supplement at 15 weeks’ gestation – of these, 79 % were taking FA as part of/alongside a multivitamin supplement. Of FA supplement users, 56 % reported consuming a daily dose of ≥800 μg; 39 % reported taking less than 400 µg/d. Mean PF was significantly higher in women reporting FA supplementation (54·6 (se 1·5) nmol/l) v. no FA supplementation (35·1 (se 1·6) nmol/l) (P<0·0001). Reported daily FA supplement dose and PF were significantly positively correlated (r 0·41; P<0·05). Younger maternal age, Pacific and Maori ethnicity and obesity were negatively associated with PF levels; vegetarianism was positively associated with PF. Reported FA supplement dose was significantly associated with PF after adjustment for socio-demographic, lifestyle confounders and multivitamin intake. The relationship observed between FA supplementation and PF demonstrates that self-reported intake is a reliable proxy for FA supplement use in this study population.

scholarly journals Laying hens can convert high doses of folic acid added to the feed into natural folates in eggs providing a novel source of food folate

2008 ◽  
Vol 101 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leane Hoey ◽  
Helene McNulty ◽  
Elizabeth M. E. McCann ◽  
Kelvin J. McCracken ◽  
John M. Scott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Optimal Dose ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Natural Food ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Green Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
High Doses ◽  
Food Folate

There are few good sources of natural food folates apart from green leafy vegetables and these may have a limited potential to increase folate status because of substantial losses that can occur during cooking. Fortified foods can overcome this but are controversial because of safety concerns regarding chronic exposure to high-dose folic acid (FA; the synthetic form). The aim of the present study was to develop eggs with an enriched natural folate content and minimal unmetabolised FA. Forty-eight, 30-week-old laying hens were randomised to receive the basal feed (formulated to provide 1 mg folate/kg feed) to which had been added one of the following FA levels (0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 mg/kg feed). Total folate was measured in eggs collected throughout the 12-week study period and the FA content estimated at 12 weeks. Results showed that the maximal egg folate content was achieved by adding 16 mg FA/kg feed. At this optimal dose, the total folate content per egg was 75 μg (compared with 32 μg in a regular egg) of which FA represented at most 10 %, a level which would probably be converted into natural folates by humans after ingestion. The results demonstrate that it is possible to use synthetic FA at high doses to produce novel animal foods enriched with natural folates in a cost-efficient process. Such foods may be particularly relevant to European populations without access to FA fortification and therefore dependent on natural food folate sources for the primary prevention of folate-related disease.

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 Community Assessment of Availability, Consumption, and Cultural Acceptability of Food Sources of (PRO)Vitamin A: Toward the Development of a Dietary Intervention among Preschool Children in Rural Burkina Faso

2005 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 356-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constance P. Nana ◽  
Inge D. Brouwer ◽  
Noel-Marie Zagré ◽  
Frans J. Kok ◽  
Alfred S. Traoré
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Burkina Faso ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Green Leafy Vegetables

Background Vitamin A deficiency remains a public health problem in Burkina Faso and elsewhere in the developing world. Dietary diversification is a promising strategy that needs to be explored to strengthen the country's ongoing supplementation program. Objective The purpose of this study was to identify locally available and acceptable (pro)vitamin A–rich foods to be included in a dietary intervention addressing vitamin A deficiency in children aged six months to three years. Methods A food ethnographic study combining recall methods, observation, and focused group discussion was conducted in the dry and rainy seasons. Thirty-five mother–child pairs were randomly selected and included in the study. Results The dietary pattern of children was characterized by low diversity with extremely low energy and vitamin A intake in both seasons. The study identified the availability of numerous (pro)vitamin A–rich foods, but these foods are either not consumed or consumed by few in low amounts and/or in low frequencies. The main constraining factors identified are related to financial accessibility (for liver), seasonal availability (for egg, milk, mango, papaya, and green leafy vegetables), and beliefs related to consumption and preparation (for green leafy vegetables). However, the study also revealed that the study population associated all identified (pro)vitamin A–rich foods with positive attributes such as health, strength, and vitamin richness, which might offer an entry point for designing and implementing dietary interventions. Conclusions Based on the findings of this formative research, intervention strategies with mango and liver are proposed to improve the vitamin A intake and status of children in the rural areas of Burkina Faso.

scholarly journals ANALYSIS OF ANAEMIA IN PREGNANCY IN A DISTRICT IN JHARKHAND

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sweta Lal ◽  
Manjula Srivastava
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Prevalence Rate ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Total Study Population ◽  
Lower Middle Class ◽  
Rural Background ◽  
Green Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Moderate Anaemia

Background: Maternal anaemia has been defined by the low level of haemoglobin in the blood while pregnancy period. Gestational anaemia has been defined as one of the most prominent health problems faced by pregnant women worldwide.  Anaemia in pregnant women might be relative or absolute. Aim: To identify the various factors associated with anaemia among the pregnant women in Jharkhand Methods: A prospective study was carried out on 10,000 pregnant women between September 2019 and February 2020 in Jharkhand. Those women were taken into consideration who had haemoglobin less than 11 mg/dl. The non-pregnant women were excluded from the list. Multivariate analysis in terms of Binary logistic regression was done to check the associations of selected socio-economic and demographic covariates on the prevalence of anaemia in Jharkhand. Results: Majority of the women belonged to 26-30 years of the age group, which accounted for 38% of all the study population. The majority of the patients were from the rural background amounting to 52%. The majority of the patients belonged to the Hindu religion with 60% prevalence rate. The majority of the patients belonged to the lower middle class, with a prevalence rate of 38%. The majority of the women had no education at all. The percentage of such women was 40% of the total study population. The majority of the spouse of patients had secondary education with an incidence of 40%. The majority of the patients had moderate anaemia with 60% of incidence rate. The majority of the patients consumed fruits, occasionally with a prevalence of 50%. The majority of the women consumed non-veg weekly, with a prevalence of 50%. The majority of the patient consumed green leafy vegetables weekly with an incidence of 48%. Conclusion: The majority of pregnant women were not educated enough and consumed less amount of vegetables and fruits than non-veg. Furthermore, it was also found from the above study that the majority of the pregnant women ha moderate anaemia and belonged to the rural background. Keywords: Anaemia, Gestational Anaemia, Haemoglobin, Pregnant Women

scholarly journals Priority micronutrient density in foods

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ty Beal ◽  
Flaminia Ortenzi
Keyword(s):  
Goat Milk ◽  
Food Composition ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Small Fish ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Fresh Fish ◽  
Green Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Dark Green

Abstract Despite concerted efforts to improve diet quality and reduce malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies remain widespread globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries and among population groups with increased needs, where diets are often inadequate in iron, zinc, folate, vitamin A, calcium, and vitamin B12. There is a need to understand the top food sources of these commonly lacking micronutrients, which are essential for optimal health. To fill this critical knowledge gap, we built an aggregated global food composition database and developed an approach to rate foods according to their density in priority micronutrients. We show that the top sources of multiple priority micronutrients are organs, small fish, dark green leafy vegetables, shellfish, beef, goat, eggs, milk, cheese, and canned fish with bones. Lamb, mutton, goat milk, and pork are also good sources, followed by yogurt, fresh fish, pulses, and teff.

scholarly journals Adequacy of Nutrients Intake among Jordanian Pregnant Women in Comparison to Dietary Reference Intakes

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (18) ◽  
pp. 3440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reema F. Tayyem ◽  
Sabika S. Allehdan ◽  
Razan M. Alatrash ◽  
Fida F. Asali ◽  
Hiba A. Bawadi
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Pregnancy Outcomes ◽  
Maternal Nutrition ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dietary Reference Intakes ◽  
Demographic Questionnaire

Objective: Maternal nutrition is considered an important pillar in the pregnancy outcomes for both mother and infant. A mother’s malnutrition and inadequate nutrient intake is associated with many undesirable pregnancy outcomes. Hence, assessing the nutritional status of the mother in the early stages of the pregnancy and preventing any inadequacy can preclude many health problems for both mother and infant. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the adequacy of nutrient intakes among Jordanian pregnant women as compared to their corresponding dietary reference intakes (DRIs). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a major University Hospital in Jordan. Three hundred pregnant women were invited to participate in the study and 286 agreed to participate. Fifty pregnant women were enrolled at week 9, then 96 pregnant women were at week 20 and 137 pregnant women were at week 30 of pregnancy. The participants completed the interview-based demographic questionnaire, pregnancy physical activity questionnaire, and quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Results: The mean energy intake was 2768.9 ± 767.8 kcal/day and it was significantly higher in the 3rd trimester (p < 0.05). Women in the 3rd trimester consumed significantly more protein, carbohydrates, and sugar than women in the 1st and 2nd trimesters (p < 0.05). The pregnant women in the 3rd trimester consumed more sodium than women in the 1st and 2nd trimesters (p < 0.05). The vitamin K intake was significantly (p = 0.045) lower in the 2nd trimester than the 1st and 3rd trimesters. The calcium intake was significantly higher in the 3rd trimester than the 1st and 2nd trimesters (p = 0.021). The total micronutrient (vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, and D, calcium, and iron) intakes derived from dietary supplements and food sources throughout the 3 trimesters was significantly higher in the 3rd trimester than the 1st and 2nd trimesters (p < 0.05). The vitamin D, calcium, and iron intakes had the most significant increases between the 1st and 3rd trimesters (p < 0.001), while folic acid intake was significantly higher in the 1st trimester than the 2nd and 3rd trimester (p < 0.001). Most women exceeded the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for sodium in all trimesters, while 82% of women exceeded the UL of folic acid in the 1st trimester and from the supplement, not the diet. Conclusion: While the intake of some nutrients from food alone remains below the DRIs in the diets of pregnant women, the intake of other nutrients is above the UL. Raising the awareness of pregnant women about their diet and how a supplement intake can reduce the risk of inadequate intake for many micronutrients and improve their pregnancy outcomes is of great importance.

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