Health behaviours in 131,182 UK women planning pregnancy

Abstract Background A woman’s health at the time of conception lays the foundation for a healthy pregnancy and the lifelong health of her child. We investigated the health behaviours of UK women planning pregnancy. Methods We analysed survey data from the ‘Planning for Pregnancy’ online tool (Tommy’s, UK). We described all women planning pregnancy and compared the frequency of non-adherence to preconception recommendations in women who had already stopped contraception (active planners) and those who had not (non-active planners). Results One hundred thirty-one thousand one hundred eighty-two women from across the UK were included, of whom 64.8% were actively planning pregnancy. Of the whole cohort, twenty percent were smokers and less than one third took folic acid supplements (31.5%). Forty two percent engaged in less than the recommended 150 min of weekly physical activity and only 53.3% consumed five portions of fruit or vegetables 4 days a week. Smokers were 1.87 times more likely to be active planners than non-smokers (95% CI 1.79–1.94), and women who took folic acid were 7 times more likely to be active planners (95% CI 6.97–7.59) compared to women who did not. Smoking, drug use and lack of folic acid supplementation were common in younger women and those who were underweight. Conclusions This unique survey of UK women has identified poor adherence to preconception recommendations in those planning pregnancies and supports the need for a greater public health focus on preconception health. This study provides a contemporary basis from which to inform preconception health advice and a benchmark to measure changes over time.

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Intake and status of folate and related B-vitamins: considerations and challenges in achieving optimal status

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114508006855 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 99 (S3) ◽

pp. S48-S54 ◽

Cited By ~ 75

Author(s):

Helene McNulty ◽

John M. Scott

Keyword(s):

Folic Acid ◽

Folic Acid Supplementation ◽

B Vitamins ◽

Natural Food ◽

Vitamin B ◽

High Dose ◽

Folic Acid Fortification ◽

Younger Women ◽

Folate Status ◽

The Uk

Folate and the metabolically related B-vitamins, vitamin B12and riboflavin, have attracted much scientific and public health interest in recent years. Apart from a well established role in preventing neural tube defects (NTDs), evidence is emerging to support other potential roles for folate and/or related B-vitamins in protecting against cardiovascular disease (especially stroke), certain cancers, cognitive impairment and osteoporosis. However, typical folate intakes are sub-optimal, in that although adequate in preventing clinical folate deficiency (i.e. megaloblastic anaemia) in most people, they are generally insufficient to achieve a folate status associated with the lowest risk of NTDs. Natural food folates have a limited ability to enhance folate status as a result of their poor stability under typical cooking conditions and incomplete bioavailability when compared with the synthetic vitamin, folic acid (as found in supplements and fortified foods). Current folate recommendations to prevent NTDs (based primarily on folic acid supplementation) have been found to be ineffective in several European countries. In contrast, in North America and Chile, the policy of mandatory folic acid-fortification has proven itself in terms of lowering the prevalence of NTD, but remains controversial because of concerns regarding potential risks of chronic exposure to high-dose folic acid. In the case of vitamin B12, the achievement of an optimal status is particularly difficult for many older people because of the common problem of food-bound B12malabsorption. Finally, there is evidence that riboflavin status is generally low in the UK population, and particularly so in younger women; this warrants further investigation.

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Prenatal Folic Acid Supplements and Offspring’s Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-analysis and Meta-regression

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders ◽

10.1007/s10803-021-04951-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Xian Liu ◽

Mingyang Zou ◽

Caihong Sun ◽

Lijie Wu ◽

Wen-Xiong Chen

Keyword(s):

Folic Acid ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Folic Acid Supplementation ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Acid Supplementation ◽

Daily Amount ◽

Folic Acid Supplements ◽

Meta Regression ◽

Spectrum Disorders ◽

Reduced Risk

AbstractWe systematically reviewed the evidence on the association between maternal folic acid supplementation and the risk of offspring’s autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A total of 10 studies with 23 sub-studies (9795 ASD cases) were included. Folic acid supplementation during early pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of offspring’s ASD [OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.41–0.78]. The consumption of a daily amount of at least 400 μg folic acid from dietary sources and supplements, was associated with a reduced risk of offspring ASD [OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.36–0.83]. Critical effective maternal folic acid supplementation strategies, such as intake timing and intake dosage, may aid the reduction in the risk of offspring ASD. This meta-analysis provided new insights for the prevention of offspring’s ASD.

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Maternal Folic Acid Intake and Risk of Nonsyndromic Orofacial Clefts: A Hospital-Based Case–Control Study in Bangalore, India

The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal ◽

10.1177/1055665619893214 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 57 (6) ◽

pp. 678-686

Author(s):

Vivienne J. Mendonca

Keyword(s):

Folic Acid ◽

Case Control Study ◽

Folic Acid Supplementation ◽

Folic Acid Intake ◽

Orofacial Clefts ◽

Dietary Folate ◽

Acid Supplementation ◽

Folic Acid Supplements ◽

Periconceptional Period ◽

Control Study

Background: Orofacial clefts are the most common congenital anomaly worldwide. Cleft etiology appears to be multifactorial, with genetic and environmental components. Although periconceptional folic acid supplementation has been shown to be protective for neural tube defects, current evidence for its role in cleft prevention is mixed with few studies from low- and middle-income countries. Aim: To investigate the association between periconceptional folic acid intake and incidence of nonsyndromic orofacial clefts among infants in Bangalore, India. Methods: A hospital-based case–control study (106 cases, 212 controls) utilizing a questionnaire to collect data on prenatal supplements, dietary folate, and potentially confounding factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess relationships between folic acid supplementation and all nonsyndromic clefts, and in separate analyses for cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) and cleft palate (CP), adjusting for statistically significant variables. Results: A statistically significant protective association was found for separate folic acid supplements (not combined with iron or multivitamins) taken in the periconceptional period and all clefts combined (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-0.86) and CL/P (adjusted OR: 0.57; 95% CI, 0.38-0.86). Higher levels of dietary folate were found to be associated with a reduced risk for all clefts (adjusted OR: 0.98, 95% CI, 0.96-0.99), CL/P (adjusted OR: 0.98, 95% CI, 0.96-0.99), and CP (adjusted OR: 0.96, 95% CI, 0.93-0.99). Conclusion: This study provides limited evidence for a protective association of periconceptional folic acid supplementation with nonsyndromic orofacial clefts. The low proportion of mothers taking folic acid supplements in the periconceptional period highlights the need for increased education and awareness regarding prenatal nutrition.

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Assessment of Folic Acid Supplementation in Pregnant Women by Estimation of Serum Levels of Tetrahydrofolic Acid, Dihydrofolate Reductase, and Homocysteine

Scientifica ◽

10.1155/2016/1520685 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Manisha Naithani ◽

Vartika Saxena ◽

Anissa Atif Mirza ◽

Ranjeeta Kumari ◽

Kapil Sharma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Folic Acid ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Dihydrofolate Reductase ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Folic Acid Supplementation ◽

North India ◽

Acid Supplementation ◽

Folic Acid Supplements ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Tetrahydrofolic Acid

Background.Status of folic acid use in pregnant women of the hilly regions in North India was little known. This study was carried out to assess the folic acid use and estimate folate metabolites in pregnant women of this region.Materials and Methods. This cross-sectional study is comprised of 76 pregnant women, whose folic acid supplementation was assessed by a questionnaire and serum levels of homocysteine, tetrahydrofolic acid (THFA), and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) were estimated using Enzyme Linked Immunoassays.Results.The study data revealed awareness of folic acid use during pregnancy was present in 46.1% and 23.7% were taking folic acid supplements. The study depicted that there was no statistically significant difference between serum levels of THFA and DHFR in pregnant women with and without folic acid supplements (p=0.790). Hyperhomocysteinemia was present in 15.78% of the participants.Conclusion.Less awareness about folic acid supplementation and low use of folic acid by pregnant women were observed in this region. Sufficient dietary ingestion may suffice for the escalated requirements in pregnancy, but since this cannot be ensured, hence folic acid supplementation should be made as an integral part of education and reproductive health programs for its better metabolic use, growth, and development of fetus.

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Awareness, use and information sources of folic acid supplementation to prevent neural tube defects in pregnant Japanese women

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980017003172 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

pp. 732-739 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Shumi Yamamoto ◽

Yoshinao Wada

Keyword(s):

Folic Acid ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Folic Acid Supplementation ◽

Japanese Women ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Current Status ◽

Public Health Approach ◽

Childbearing Age ◽

Acid Supplementation ◽

Folic Acid Supplements

AbstractObjectiveFolic acid supplementation and folate-rich diets are recommended for women of childbearing age worldwide to prevent congenital anomalies. We aimed to determine the current status of folic acid supplementation among pregnant Japanese women and identify means to increase the intake of these supplements.DesignCross-sectional study.SubjectsA total of 1862 pregnant women who consulted the perinatal centre from September 2014 to December 2015 completed a questionnaire concerning knowledge about folic acid, sources of information and the use of folic acid supplements.SettingOsaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health (Japan).ResultsIn our study population, only 20·5 % of pregnant women took folic acid supplements periconceptionally even though 70·4 % knew about the protective effect of folic acid. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that age ≥35 years (OR=2·80; 95 % CI 1·24, 6·29) and knowledge of the benefits of folic acid (OR=2·64; 95 % CI 1·92, 3·62) were associated with periconceptional folic acid use, and multiparity was negatively associated with such use. Compared with those who took folic acid supplements periconceptionally, women who did not take supplements received information through passive and less interactive media.ConclusionsAlthough folic acid awareness was relatively high among pregnant Japanese women, folic acid supplementation before conception was insufficient. To increase the intake of folic acid supplements in countries in which foods are not fortified with folic acid, an effective public health approach promoting behavioural change is necessary for women of reproductive age.

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Folic acid supplementation and social deprivation

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1079/phn2004690 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 338-340 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Caroline L Relton ◽

Donna M Hammal ◽

Judith Rankin ◽

Louise Parker

Keyword(s):

Folic Acid ◽

Family History ◽

Neural Tube ◽

Neural Tube Defects ◽

Social Deprivation ◽

Antenatal Clinic ◽

Folic Acid Supplementation ◽

Acid Supplementation ◽

Folic Acid Supplements ◽

History Of

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the use of folic acid supplementation in relation to small-area measures of social deprivation.DesignCohort study.SettingAntenatal clinic, Women's Outpatients Services, Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, UK.SubjectsFour hundred and fifty women attending their 18-week antenatal clinic appointment. No selection criteria were applied. Townsend scores were allocated using postcodes to provide a small-area measure (enumeration district) of social deprivation.ResultsEighty-nine per cent of women took folic acid prior to their 18-week antenatal clinic appointment; 48% of women took folic acid before 4 weeks of gestation. Younger women and more socially deprived women were less likely to use folic acid supplements before 4 weeks of gestation. Women with a family history of neural tube defects were no more likely to take folic acid than were women with no family history of neural tube defects.ConclusionA high proportion of women reported taking folic acid supplements during pregnancy but less than half took them at the most important time in early pregnancy. Younger women and women who were more socio-economically deprived were much less likely to take folic acid during the critical periconceptional period. Future strategies should promote prenatal folic acid supplementation in women under the age of 24 and in women of low socio-economic status. Further attention should also be given to the use of folic acid supplements in women with a family history of neural tube defects.

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Nonsurgical Management of Phenytoin-induced Gingival Hyperplasia

The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice ◽

10.5005/jp-journals-10024-1683 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. 319-321 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Yousef A AlJehani

Keyword(s):

Folic Acid ◽

Epileptic Patient ◽

Oral Care ◽

Severe Case ◽

Folic Acid Supplementation ◽

Chlorhexidine Gluconate ◽

Gingival Hyperplasia ◽

Nonsurgical Management ◽

Folic Acid Supplements ◽

Hyperplastic Tissue

ABSTRACT Introduction The aim of this report is to present a severe case of phenytoin (PHT)-induced gingival hyperplasia in a Saudi patient. Materials and methods A 12-year-old male epileptic patient, undergoing PHT therapy, was diagnosed clinically with severe gingival hyperplasia. His treatment consisted meticulous oral care and weekly professional prophylaxis. The patient was advised oral folic acid supplementation (0.5 mg/day) and was also recommended 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash twice daily. Results There was significant reduction in the hyperplastic tissue within 4 weeks of treatment. Conclusion It is possible to treat PHT-induced gingival hyperplasia non-surgically with intensive dental care, correct oral hygiene and oral folic acid supplements. How to cite this article AlJehani YA. Nonsurgical Management of Phenytoin-induced Gingival Hyperplasia. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(4):319-321.

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Nutrition counselling and knowledge on iron and folic acid supplementation among pregnant women in Nyeri County, Kenya

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20211209 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 1620

Author(s):

Henry Mburu Ng'the ◽

Douglas Nderitu ◽

Stephanie Wanja

Keyword(s):

Folic Acid ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Quantitative Data ◽

Folic Acid Supplementation ◽

Acid Supplementation ◽

Focused Antenatal Care ◽

Folic Acid Supplements ◽

Iron And Folic Acid ◽

Low Levels ◽

The Government

Background: In the world, a deficiency of iron is the most common nutrition disorder affecting more than 30% of the global populace more so children and women. Countries in the developing world are working in programs on implementing the iron and folic acid supplementation (IFAS) although the effectiveness of curbing anemia is usually affected by non-compliance to iron and folic acid supplements by women who are pregnant. The government of Kenya has come up with strategies to deal with anemia which include supplementation of iron and folic acid, implementation of focused antenatal care even though they have encountered a few hurdles resulting to sub optimal coverage and low levels of compliance.Methods: This was a mixed method study whereby both qualitative and quantitative data was analysed. A sample size of 385 pregnant women were interviewed. Data was collected using questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data which was presented in form of frequency and percentage tables, bar graphs and pie charts. Results: Results show that 96% of the expectant women indicated that they were advised to take fruits while 86% indicated that they were advised to take green vegetables. This shows that pregnant women in the study had good knowledge of their dietary needs.Conclusions: The study concludes that expectant women had high nutrition knowledge on foods that raise the haemoglobin levels during gravidity.

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Folic acid and diseases - supplement it or not?

Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira ◽

10.1590/1806-9282.62.01.90 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 62 (1) ◽

pp. 90-100 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Siaw-Cheok Liew

Keyword(s):

Folic Acid ◽

Folic Acid Supplementation ◽

Water Soluble ◽

Leafy Vegetables ◽

Serum Folate ◽

Green Leafy Vegetables ◽

Water Soluble Vitamin ◽

Folic Acid Supplements ◽

Dark Green ◽

Meta Analyses

SUMMARY Introduction: folic acid is a water soluble vitamin, which is synthetically-produced and found in fortified foods and supplements. Folate is found naturally in plants, such as the dark green leafy vegetables. Folate is not synthesizedde novo by humans, therefore the daily requirements are met from the dietary intake of folic acid supplements or food rich in this vitamin. Folate deficiency could lead to numerous common health problems. Hyperhomocysteinemia and the possibility of malignancy developments are the long term consequences of this deficit albeit contradictory findings on these claims. Methods: the articles included in this review focused on recent updated evidence-based reports and meta-analyses on the associations of the serum folate/folic acid and the various diseases found globally. Results: the benefit of folic acid supplementation in the pre-conception period for the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs) was well established and it was suggested that counseling sessions should be given to women with previous pregnancies affected by NTDs. However, supplementation of folic acid and its medicinal effects in the treatment of other diseases were contradictory and unclear. Conclusion: more detailed investigations into the health benefits of folic acid are needed before it could be recommended for supplementation, treatment or prevention of some of the diseases discussed in this review.

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Suplementasi multi mikronutrien dibandingkan Fe-asam folat terhadap kadar hemoglobin dan berat badan ibu hamil anemia

Jurnal Gizi Klinik Indonesia ◽

10.22146/ijcn.15375 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 34

Author(s):

Herta Masthalina ◽

Mohammad Hakimi ◽

Siti Helmyati

Keyword(s):

Folic Acid ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Folic Acid Supplementation ◽

Global Strategy ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Group Design ◽

Folic Acid Supplements ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Pregnant Mothers

Background: As a part of global strategy to prevent micronutrient deficiency in pregnant mothers, UNICEF recommends the use of multi-micronutrients supplements as an initial program in developing countries. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the effect of multi-micronutrient supplementation on Hb level and weight gain of anemic pregnant women in Lombok Tengah District.Objective: To investigate the effect of multi-micronutrient compared to Fe – folic acid supplementation on Hb level and weight gain of anemic pregnant mothers.Method: This was a quasi-experimental study with non equivalent control group design. Subjects in the intervention group were given multi-micronutrient supplements provided by UNICEF, whereas subjects in the control group were given Fe – folic acid supplements. The supplements were given daily to the two groups for 91 days. Hb level and weight were measured before and after intervention.Results: Statistical analysis showed no significant differences (p=0.96) in Hb level and weight gain (p=0.454) between the two groups. The increase of Hb level and weight in the intervention group vs control group were 0,53±0,95 g/dL vs 0,89±1,15 g/dL and 4,89±2,71 kg vs 4,32±1,75 kg, respectively.Conclusion: There were no significant differences in Hb level and weight gain between pregnant mothers consuming multi-micronutrient supplements compared to those consuming Fe – folic acid supplements.

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