Red cell folate and predicted neural tube defect rate in three Asian cities.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr
; 16(2): 269-73, 2007.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-17468082
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Periconceptional folic acid reduces neural tube defect (NTD) risk. Red blood cell folate concentration is inversely associated with NTD risk. In many countries there is a lack of information on NTD rates. Red cell folate status in women of childbearing age may be a surrogate for NTD rates and may be helpful in identifying countries or regions most likely to benefit from improved folate status.OBJECTIVE:
To predict NTD rates using red cell folate concentrations in women of childbearing age living in three Asian citiesDesign:
Cross-sectional convenience samples of non-pregnant women living in Beijing (n=220), Kuala Lumpur (n=389), and Jakarta (n=129).RESULTS:
Red cell folate concentrations were highest (p<0.001) in women from Jakarta at 872 nmol/L (95% CI; 833, 910) followed by Kuala Lumpur at 674 nmol/L (95% CI 644, 704) and lowest in Beijing at 563 nmol/L (95% CI 524, 601). Accordingly, predicted NTD rates were highest in Beijing at 30/10000 (95% CI 27, 33), followed by Kuala Lumpur at 24/10000 (95% CI 22, 25), and lowest in Jakarta at 15/10000 (95% CI 14,15).CONCLUSION:
Our red blood cell folate data suggests that of the three cities improving the folate status of women in Beijing would have the greatest impact on NTD rates.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Preconception Care
/
Erythrocytes
/
Folic Acid
/
Neural Tube Defects
Type of study:
Observational_studies
/
Prevalence_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
En
Journal:
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr
Journal subject:
CIENCIAS DA NUTRICAO
Year:
2007
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
New Zealand