Folacin content of supplemental foods for pregnancy

Microbiological assay with Lactobacillus casei was made to determine total folacin content of foods allowed in the Special Supplemental Food Program (WIC) serving low-income pregnant women in the United States, who are at risk for folacin deficiency. Results of the assay showed that, when foods with a high nutrient density and Index of Nutritional Quality for folacin were selected, 69 percent of the folacin RDA for pregnancy could be provided in only 34 percent of the energy allowance. Thus the WIC program can contribute significant amounts of folacin to the diet of pregnant women.