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The Effectiveness of Folate-Fortified Oral Contraceptives in Maintaining Optimal Folate Levels to Protect Against
Mahvash Shere1, Priya Bapat2, Cheri Nickel3
1Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto ON; The Motherisk Program, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto ON.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal D'Obstetrique Et Gynecologie Du Canada : JOGC
|September 4, 2015
Summary
A new folate-fortified oral contraceptive effectively raises blood folate levels, matching folic acid alone. This offers women a way to maintain optimal folate status for preventing neural tube defects.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Public Health Interventions
Background:
- Oral contraceptives are widely used by women of reproductive age.
- Optimal folate levels are crucial for preventing neural tube defects (NTDs).
- Current oral contraceptives do not typically include folate supplementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the efficacy of a folate-fortified oral contraceptive.
- To assess its ability to increase blood folate concentrations to protective levels (> 906 nmol/L).
- To evaluate its effectiveness in preventing neural tube defects.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of human studies (case-control, cohort, clinical trials).
- Searched Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library (inception to June 2013).
- Evaluated efficacy and bioequivalence data of folate-fortified oral contraceptives.
Main Results:
- The folate-fortified oral contraceptive is as effective as folic acid alone in increasing blood folate levels.
- Concomitant folate administration does not negatively impact oral contraceptive absorption or kinetics.
- Achieved blood folate concentrations are within the optimal range for NTD prevention.
Conclusions:
- Folate-fortified oral contraceptives offer a viable option for women to maintain adequate folate status.
- This preparation is particularly beneficial for women planning pregnancy after discontinuing oral contraceptive use.
- It provides a dual benefit of contraception and essential nutrient supplementation for reproductive health.
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