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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
Modifying Levels of Maternal Dietary Folic Acid or Choline to Study the Impact of Deficiencies on Offspring Health Outcomes
Published on: June 28, 2024
Mandatory folic acid fortification in Newfoundland and Labrador
Barbara V Roebothan1, Joy Carmichael, Valerie Barter
1Deivision of Community Health, Memorial University, St. John's, NL.
Purpose:
Dietary folic acid (FA) intakes were analyzed in random samples of 302 young women (aged 18 to 34) and 337 seniors (aged 65 to 74) residing in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). The analyses were an attempt to estimate the amount of FA they would consume solely because of mandatory fortification of foods.
Methods:
Secondary analysis was performed on raw data collected through single 24-hour recalls as part of a larger study.
Results:
The dietary FA contributed by fortified foods eaten in the specified amounts was estimated to be 136 to 148 mcg/day (226 to 247 DFE/day) for young women and 151 to 160 mcg/day (252 to 267 DFE/day) for seniors. Most of this FA was contributed to the diet by enriched white flour.
Conclusions:
Mandatory fortification of foods appears to have improved the total mean intake of folate by young women and seniors residing in NL.
