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Effect of folic acid supplementation on small-for-gestational-age infants born at term
N Foged1, K Lillquist, J Rolschau
1Department of Paediatrics, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
Insights
Folic acid (FA) supplementation did not significantly impact growth or blood markers in small-for-gestational-age infants. Erythrocyte folate levels were higher in breast-fed infants not receiving supplements.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Nutrition
- Pediatric Hematology
- Folate Metabolism
Background:
- Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants may have altered nutritional needs.
- Folate is crucial for cell growth and DNA synthesis.
- Early life nutrition impacts long-term health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of folic acid supplementation on SGA infants.
- To assess the impact of folate on hematological parameters and growth.
- To investigate folate status in relation to feeding method.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind, randomized controlled trial.
- 250 micrograms folic acid (FA) or placebo daily for 3 months.
- 21 term-born, small-for-gestational-age infants.
- Measurements included hemoglobin, hematocrit, weight, length, and erythrocyte folate.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in hemoglobin, hematocrit, weight, or length between FA-supplemented and placebo groups.
- Negative correlation between gestational age and erythrocyte folate at 1 week.
- Higher erythrocyte folate in breast-fed infants compared to formula-fed infants without supplementation.
Conclusions:
- Folic acid supplementation did not alter growth or hematological parameters in SGA infants during the first 3 months.
- Gestational age influences early erythrocyte folate levels.
- Breastfeeding may support higher folate status in infants compared to formula feeding.
Abstract:
The effect of 250 micrograms folic acid (FA)/day or placebo given to 21 small-for-gestational-age infants born at term was studied during the first 3 months of life. The design of the study was double blind with random allocation. No randomization was performed in respect of breast-feeding or formula-feeding with a folate content of 60-70 micrograms/l. No significant differences were observed in haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, weight and length between FA-supplemented and non-supplemented infants. A negative correlation was demonstrated between gestational age and erythrocyte folate (E-folate) concentration at 1 week. E-folate content was higher when no supplement was given in breast-fed than in formula-fed infants.