[Folic acid and pregnancy, a real problem?]

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Nutritional Science
• Hematology

Background:

• Folic acid deficiency is a common concern during pregnancy, potentially leading to adverse outcomes.
• Iron deficiency anemia is also prevalent in pregnant populations.
• Prophylactic supplementation aims to maintain optimal nutrient levels for maternal and fetal health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic ferrous sulfate versus combined ferrous sulfate and folic acid therapy.
• To assess the impact of these treatments on serum and red blood cell folate levels.
• To determine the necessity of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind clinical trial involving 29 pregnant patients.
• Treatment groups included ferrous sulfate alone and combined ferrous sulfate with folic acid.
• Measurements of serum and red blood cell folic acid levels were taken at weeks 20, 30, and 36 of gestation.

Main Results:

• At 20 weeks, 29% of patients had pathologically low serum folic acid.
• Combined therapy showed a statistically significant positive effect on serum and red blood cell folate levels.
• By the end of pregnancy, 69% of the ferrous sulfate-only group had low serum folate, and 23% had subnormal erythrocyte folate.

Conclusions:

• Combined ferrous sulfate and folic acid therapy is highly effective in maintaining adequate folate status during pregnancy.
• Prophylactic folic acid supplementation is strongly recommended to prevent folate deficiency in pregnant individuals.
• The study underscores the critical role of folic acid in prenatal nutrition and health outcomes.