Abstract
The effect of suboptimal folate intake on the growing infant was studied in a population of infants fed a diet based on boiled, pasteurized cow's milk. From the ago of 2 months, one group of infants received a daily supplement of 1 mg folic acid, while the other received a placebo. Supplementation has doubled the red cell folate concentration. High folate levels were associated with a marked increase in weight and length attained at 6 months as well as the rate of weight and length gain from 2 to 6 months. In the second half of the first year the differences between the two groups were no longer evident. The hemoglobin concentration and incidence of anemia were similar in the supplemented and unsupplemented groups throughout the first year. The incidence of infection in the two groups did not differ significantly. The age group 2-6 months is characterized by a high rate of growth and, accordingly, high folate requirements. If, at the same time, the folate supply is marginal, shortage of folate may become a limiting factor to growth.
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