scholarly journals Folic acid and diseases - supplement it or not?

2016 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-100 ◽  
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.

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 Health behaviours in 131,182 UK women planning pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth McDougall ◽  
Kimberley Kavanagh ◽  
Judith Stephenson ◽  
Lucilla Poston ◽  
Angela C. Flynn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Folic Acid Supplementation ◽  
Preconception Health ◽  
Younger Women ◽  
Healthy Pregnancy ◽  
Folic Acid Supplements ◽  
Weekly Physical Activity ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Changes Over Time

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.

scholarly journals Effects of Periconceptional Multivitamin Supplementation on Folate and Homocysteine Levels Depending on Genetic Variants of Methyltetrahydrofolate Reductase in Infertile Japanese Women

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1381
Author(s):  
Keiji Kuroda ◽  
Takashi Horikawa ◽  
Yoko Gekka ◽  
Azusa Moriyama ◽  
Kazuki Nakao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase ◽  
Homocysteine Level ◽  
Folic Acid Supplementation ◽  
Serum Folate ◽  
Folate Level ◽  
Multivitamin Supplementation ◽  
Mthfr Polymorphisms ◽  
Mthfr Genotype ◽  
Multivitamin Supplements

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) has various polymorphisms, and the effects of periconceptional folic acid supplementation for decreasing neural tube defects (NTDs) risk differ depending on the genotypes. This study analyzed the effectiveness of multivitamin supplementation on folate insufficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia, depending on MTHFR polymorphisms. Of 205 women, 72 (35.1%), 100 (48.8%) and 33 (16.1%) had MTHFR CC, CT and TT, respectively. Serum folate and homocysteine levels in women with homozygous mutant TT were significantly lower and higher, respectively, than those in women with CC and CT. In 54 women (26.3% of all women) with a risk of NTDs, multivitamin supplementation containing folic acid and vitamin D for one month increased folate level (5.8 ± 0.9 to 19.2 ± 4.0 ng/mL, p < 0.0001) and decreased the homocysteine level (8.2 ± 3.1 to 5.8 ± 0.8 nmol/mL, p < 0.0001) to minimize the risk of NTDs in all women, regardless of MTHFR genotype. Regardless of MTHFR genotype, multivitamin supplements could control folate and homocysteine levels. Tests for folate and homocysteine levels and optimal multivitamin supplementation in women with risk of NTDs one month or more before pregnancy should be recommended to women who are planning a pregnancy.

scholarly journals Determinants and Suitability of Carotenoid Reflection Score as a Measure of Carotenoid Status

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Rush ◽  
Isaac Amoah ◽  
Tung Diep ◽  
Shabnam Jalili-Moghaddam
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Carotenoid Concentration ◽  
Dairy Foods ◽  
Green Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
Dark Green ◽  
Negative Health Outcomes

Carotenoids, orange-coloured pigments found in vegetables, fruit, eggs and dairy foods, act as antioxidants and vitamin A precursors in the human body. Skin carotenoid concentration is a biomarker of vegetable and fruit intake. The aim was to identify determinants of skin carotenoid concentration by measuring “Veggie Meter™” carotenoid reflection spectroscopy scores (CRS) from the fingertip of adults with a range of ages, ethnicity and body size. Frequencies of daily intake of vegetables and fruit and weekly intake of pumpkin and carrot, dark green leafy vegetables (DGLV), eggs (yolk), and dairy were determined from a self-completed food-frequency-questionnaire. A total of 571 (324 Women, 247 Men) adults, aged 16 to 85 years, completed measurements. The CRS ranged from 83 to 769, with a median of 327. Women and men did not score differently. For all participants there were negative correlations of CRS with weight (r = −0.312) and BMI (r = −0.338) and positive correlations with weekly intakes of DGLV (r = 0.242) and carrots and pumpkin (r = 0.202). Based on a review of health outcomes associated with plasma carotenoids, 82% of the participants in the current study are at moderate risk, or more, of negative health outcomes. Determinants of carotenoid status were body size, intake of DGLV, carrots and pumpkin, and ethnicity.

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

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.

scholarly journals Dietary Diversity in Cambodian Garment Workers: The Role of Free Lunch Provision

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Makurat ◽  
Eleonore Kretz ◽  
Frank Wieringa ◽  
Chhoun Chamnan ◽  
Michael Krawinkel
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Green Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Garment Workers ◽  
Dark Green ◽  
Randomised Controlled

The objective of this paper is to compare food consumption by Cambodian garment workers with and without access to a free model lunch provision through a factory-based canteen. Data from an exploratory randomised controlled trial were analysed. In total, 223 female Cambodian garment workers were allocated to an intervention arm (six-month lunch provision) or a control arm. Dietary intake on workdays was assessed by qualitative 24-h recalls at baseline and twice at follow-ups during the period of lunch provision using the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) guideline on assessing women’s dietary diversity. In total, 158 participants provided complete data on the dietary intake over workdays at all interviews. Lunch provision resulted in a more frequent consumption of dark green leafy vegetables (DGLV), vitamin A-rich fruits, other fruits, and oils and fats during lunch breaks. In contrast, flesh meats, legumes, nuts and seeds, as well as sweets, were eaten at a lower frequency. Except for a higher consumption rate of vitamin A-rich fruits and a lower intake frequency of sweets, lunch provision had a less clear impact on total 24-h intake from different food groups and was not associated with a higher women’s dietary diversity score (WDDS). A more gap-oriented design of the lunch sets taking into account underutilised foods and the nutritional status of the workers is recommended.

scholarly journals Folic acid – role in the body, recommendations and clinical significance

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aneta Myszczyszyn ◽  
Rafał Krajewski ◽  
Monika Ostapów ◽  
Lidia Hirnle
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Folic Acid Supplementation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Congenital Defects ◽  
Natural Form ◽  
Vitamin B9 ◽  
Increased Risk

AbstractIntroduction. Folic acid is a compound classified as B group vitamins. In the body it is subject to processes that transfer its inactive form into a form responsible for biological effects of folic acid, i.e. 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). It is, in particular, responsible for processes of the correct biosynthesis of purine and pyridine bases present in the formation of DNA and RNA molecules. Humans do not synthesize the endogenous form of folic acid; therefore, it is vital to supplement this vitamin in its natural form or multivitamin preparations. The most folic acid is found in the green leafy vegetables (spinach, peas, asparagus) and in offal (liver). An adequate supply of folic acid is especially indicated in pregnant women with a reduced amount of folic acid due to its use by an intensively developing foetus. The recommended dose of folic acid during this period is 0.4 mg/24h and this dose varies depending on the patient’s and her family’s medical history. The updated state of knowledge on the role of vitamin B9 in the body has been presented. The importance of its supplementation in specific clinical cases was analyzed.Summary. Many studies indicate an important role of the folic acid in the prevention of congenital defects of the nervous, cardiovascular and urogenital systems. Its deficiency increases the risk of complications in pregnancy, such as recurrent miscarriages, pre-eclampsia or postpartum haemorrhage. For this reason, a prophylactic folic acid supplementation is recommended, in women with increased risk of its deficiency, in particular.

scholarly journals Considerations for the design of nutrition-sensitive production programmes in rural South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. L. Hendriks ◽  
A. Viljoen ◽  
D. Marais ◽  
F. A. M. Wenhold ◽  
A. M. McIntyre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Green Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Populations At Risk ◽  
Dark Green ◽  
Home Consumption

Abstract Background Very little has been researched about the efficacy, effectiveness, feasibility, sustainability and impact of food-based approaches on the diets and nutritional status of populations at risk of hunger and food insecurity. This study contributes knowledge about the impact of food-based approaches on the diets of populations at risk of hunger and food insecurity in four of the poorest rural communities in South Africa. The study investigated the consumption and production patterns of rural households (278 in summer and 280 in winter) in four sites in the poorest municipalities in South Africa. Methods A multistage stratified random sampling technique was applied to identify the communities and sample households for the quantitative survey and qualitative assessments. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected between 2013 and 2015 through focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews and the two-round panel survey to cover both the summer and winter seasons at each site. Results Home gardening led to a significant positive increase in the consumption of white roots and tubers, dark green leafy vegetables, orange-coloured fruit and other fruit in the 24 h prior to the survey. Participation in a community garden led to significant increases in the consumption of dark green leafy vegetables and other vegetables. School gardening did not demonstrate any statistical relationships with the consumption of foods from the crop-related food groups. Crop production improved dietary diversity. Selling produce and irrigation showed a stronger improvement in dietary diversity. Seasonality affected the availability of fresh fruit and vegetables for home consumption in winter. Conclusions Producing beyond that solely for home consumption has greater benefits for dietary diversity and a consumption-smoothing effect during the post-harvest period. Politicians and the scientific community should recognise the role that household and small-scale crop production plays in supporting household consumption and the provision of essential micronutrients despite constraints and disincentives. Production and education programmes should focus on strengthening existing good consumption patterns and promoting the consumption of foods that can improve dietary diversity.

Folate: In Vitro and in Vivo Effects on VLDL and LDL Oxidation

2007 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
McEneny ◽  
Couston ◽  
McKibben ◽  
Young ◽  
Woodside
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Folic Acid Supplementation ◽  
Serum Folate ◽  
Ldl Oxidation ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Acid Supplementation

Raised total homocysteine (tHcy) levels may be involved in the etiology of cardiovascular disease and can lead to damage of vascular endothelial cells and arterial wall matrix. Folic acid supplementation can help negate these detrimental effects by reducing tHcy. Recent evidence has suggested an additional anti-atherogenic property of folate in protecting lipoproteins against oxidation. This study utilized both an in vitro and in vivo approach. In vitro: Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were isolated by rapid ultracentrifugation and then oxidized in the presence of increasing concentrations (0→ μmol/L) of either folic acid or 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). In vivo: Twelve female subjects were supplemented with folic acid (1 mg/day), and the pre- and post-VLDL and LDL isolates subjected to oxidation. In vitro: 5-MTHF, but not folic acid, significantly increased the resistance of VLDL and LDL to oxidation. In vivo: Following folic acid supplementation, tHcy decreased, serum folate increased, and both VLDL and LDL displayed a significant increase in their resistance to oxidation. These results indicated that in vitro, only the active form of folate, 5-MTHF, had antioxidant properties. In vivo results demonstrated that folic acid supplementation reduced tHcy and protected both VLDL and LDL against oxidation. These findings provide further support for the use of folic acid supplements to aid in the prevention of atherosclerosis.

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