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Malnutrition: folate and cobalamin deficiency
1University Department of Haematology, Royal Infirmary, Manchester, England, UK.
British Journal of Biomedical Science
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Millions worldwide suffer from folate and cobalamin malnutrition due to low dietary intake. Cooking and absorption issues further deplete these essential vitamins, necessitating careful assessment and potential supplementation, especially for the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Folate and cobalamin malnutrition is a global health issue affecting millions.
- Dietary intake is often insufficient due to cultural, religious, and socioeconomic factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the global prevalence and contributing factors of folate and cobalamin malnutrition.
- To discuss challenges in assessing vitamin intake and absorption.
- To underscore the need for further research into specific population requirements.
Main Methods:
- Review of factors influencing folate and cobalamin intake and absorption.
- Discussion of cooking-related vitamin losses.
- Consideration of vitamin absorption variability from mixed diets.
Main Results:
- Significant losses of folate (up to 90%) and cobalamin occur during cooking.
- Vitamin absorption from mixed diets can be as low as 50%.
- Sub-clinical metabolic changes are observed in certain groups, particularly the elderly.
Conclusions:
- Folate supplementation is more frequently needed than cobalamin.
- The elderly may have specific, unaddressed nutritional requirements for these vitamins.
- New metabolite assays are sensitive but lack specificity and availability.