Prevalence of Folate deficiency and Folate Deficiency Anemia in REGARDS 2003–2007

Abstract

ObjectiveWe aim to determine the prevalence of folate deficiency and folate deficiency anemia within the REGARDS cohort post flour fortification.MethodsThe Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) is a prospective population‐based cohort that is comprised of half African‐American and half white participants aged ≥50. We measured serum folate levels of 1547 REGARDS participants, we defined serum folate concentrations <3 ng/mL as deficient, anemia by WHO and age, sex, race specific criteria; Folate deficiency anemia as the presence of folate deficiency and anemia as previously defined.ResultsWe found a mean hemoglobin level of 13.6g/dL; prevalence of anemia was 15.9%; mean serum folate of 14.6ng/mL and two (0.13%) participants were folate deficient. Both participants are African American females with markedly elevated C reactive protein levels, but normal serum B12 levels. The prevalence of folate deficiency anemia in the sample was 0.06%.ConclusionThere is negligible folate deficiency anemia in the post fortification era. Thus, in addition to being instrumental in the decline of neural tube defects, folic acid fortification has also resulted in diminishing the prevalence of folate deficiency anemia in the US.Grant Funding Source: none