Blood folate concentrations among women of childbearing age by race/ethnicity and acculturation, NHANES 2001‐2010 (130.5)

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this research was to assess the differences in serum and red blood cell (RBC) folate concentrations between non‐Hispanic white (NHW) women and Mexican American (MA) women and among MA women by acculturation factors. Methods: Data from the 2001‐2010 NHANES were used to examine how blood folate concentrations differ among NHW or MA women of childbearing age, in general and stratified by folic acid containing supplement use. Women were considered supplement users if they reported any use of a folic acid containing supplement in the prior 30 days. Results: MA women with lower acculturation factors (i.e. those who reported primarily speaking Spanish, being born in Mexico, or living in the United States < 15 years) had lower serum and RBC folate concentrations compared to NHW women and to their more acculturated MA counterparts. Consuming a folic acid containing supplement can decrease these disparities, but MA women, especially lower acculturated MA women, were less likely to report using supplements. Conclusions: Public health efforts to increase blood folate concentrations among MA women should consider acculturation factors when identifying appropriate interventions.