Abstract
Unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) in the circulation has been purported to mediate some adverse health outcomes associated with high folic acid (FA) intake. FA supplementation and mandatory FA fortification have significantly increased folate intake and blood levels in Canada. Furthermore, women are advised to take FA supplements before and during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. There is limited information regarding the prevalence and level of UMFA in pregnant women consuming FA containing supplements in the postfortification era. We determined the relationship between plasma UMFA and dietary folate intake, FA supplement use and folate blood measurements in 344 Canadian pregnant women participating in the prospective PREFORM Study at 11–16 wks gestation. 90% women reported FA supplement use (≥1mg FA/d) during the first trimester. UMFA determined by LC‐MS/MS was detected in 98% of participants, with a median(range) of 1.17(0.07–244.05nmol/L). UMFA represented 2.7% of total serum folate. Plasma UMFA was correlated with supplemental FA (rs=0.19, p=0.001), serum (rs=0.62, p<0.01) and RBC (rs=0.17, p=0.001) folate concentrations. Further studies are warranted to determine functional ramifications of detectable UMFA and their link to health outcomes of the mother and offspring.Grant Funding Source: CIHR (MOP# 106446)
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