Analysis of Serum Folic Acid and Red Blood Cell Folic Acid Concentrations Among 261 Childbearing-Aged Women

Abstract

Objective To investigate the level of serum folic acid, red blood cell (RBC) folic acid among childbearing-aged women and provide information for carrying out suping folic acid to prevent birth defects. Methods From January 2010 to October 2011, a total of 261 childbearing-aged women were included into this study. Their age, and related clinical data were collected and analyzed. The study protocol was approved by the Ethical Review Board of Investigation in Human Being of Yunnan Population and Family Planning Research Institute of Science and Technology. Informed consent was obtained from each participate. And 4 mL venous blood was drawn. Serum and RBC folic acid concentrations were detected by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Results The average level of serum folic acid was (9.74±3.23) ng/L and RBC folic acid was (529.79±205.44) ng/L.The prevalence of low serum folic acid and RBC folic acid concentrations were 8.43%(22/261), and 5.36%(14/261), respectively. Taking the optimal level of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) as the determine, the prevalence of low serum folic acid and RBC folic acid concentrations were 67.82%(177/261) and 73.95%(193/261), respectively. Conclusions The serum and RBC folic acid levels among more than half of childbearing-aged women in Kunming region below the recommended level for the prevention of NTDs. So the actual intake of folic acid should be strength. Key words: folic acid; serum; red blood cell; child-bearing aged women; neural tube defect