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Related Experiment Videos

Folate supplementation in pregnancy.

K Mahomed1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe, PO Box A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe. kmahomed@healthnet.zw

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|May 5, 2000
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Folate supplementation during pregnancy improves folate status and haemoglobin levels. However, evidence is insufficient to determine its impact on overall pregnancy outcomes for mother and baby.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Folate deficiency during pregnancy can lead to anemia.
  • Maintaining adequate folate levels is crucial for maternal health.
  • This review focuses on folate supplementation's effects during pregnancy, excluding periconceptual use for fetal malformations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of folate supplementation on pregnant women's hematological and biochemical markers.
  • To assess the effects of folate supplementation on pregnancy outcomes.
  • To synthesize evidence from controlled trials on folate supplementation in pregnancy.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review of controlled trials was conducted.
  • Searches included the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Trials compared folate supplementation against placebo or no treatment in pregnant women.

    • Main Results:

    • Folate supplementation increased serum and red blood cell folate levels.
    • It was associated with a reduced incidence of low hemoglobin levels and megaloblastic erythropoiesis in late pregnancy.
    • A potential reduction in low birthweight was observed, but other pregnancy outcomes showed no significant measurable effect.

    Conclusions:

    • Folate supplementation during pregnancy positively influences folate status and hemoglobin levels.
    • Current evidence is insufficient to confirm benefits or harms on clinical pregnancy outcomes for mothers and infants.
    • Further research may be needed to clarify the effects on broader clinical outcomes.