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Modifying Levels of Maternal Dietary Folic Acid or Choline to Study the Impact of Deficiencies on Offspring Health Outcomes
Published on: June 28, 2024
Folate recommendations for pregnancy, lactation, and infancy
1Food, Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. yvonne.lamers@ubc.ca
Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism
|November 30, 2011
Summary
Adequate folate intake is crucial for maternal and child health. Folic acid supplementation and fortification are recommended to prevent neural tube defects, but further research is needed on optimal intake and alternative forms.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Maternal and Child Health
- Public Health Nutrition
Background:
- Adequate folate intake is vital for maternal and child health, growth, and preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes like neural tube defects (NTDs).
- Increased folate requirements during pregnancy and lactation often necessitate supplementation beyond folate-rich foods.
- Current food fortification efforts have improved folate intake but may not fully meet recommended levels for NTD risk reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of adequate folate intake for maternal and child health.
- To emphasize the role of folic acid supplementation and food fortification in preventing NTDs.
- To identify knowledge gaps and areas for future research regarding folate intake, alternative forms, and infant health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on folate requirements and supplementation during pregnancy, lactation, and infancy.
- Analysis of the impact of current food fortification programs on folate intake.
- Identification of research needs concerning alternative folate forms and infant bioavailability.
Main Results:
- Folic acid supplementation is recommended for preventing NTDs, but awareness and intake levels vary globally.
- Food fortification has increased folate levels, yet recommended amounts for NTD risk reduction are often unmet.
- Research is needed on the potential effects of high folic acid intake and the efficacy of alternative folate forms.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced public awareness regarding preconception folic acid supplementation is necessary.
- Further research is required to explore alternative folate forms for fortification and their efficacy.
- More data is needed on the bioavailability and effects of folic acid in infants, including defining a tolerable upper intake level.
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