Folic Acid Fortification Benefits All

Category: Diet and Nutrition , Misc.

Folic acid has been added to most cereal products in the United States, primarily for pregnant women, to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects. Folic acid also can lower homocysteine levels, a risk factor for heart disease, and higher levels may lower the risk of cancer, age-related cognitive decline, and psychiatric disorders. A new large study shows that fortification has indeed been successful in increasing blood levels of folate and lowering homocysteine levels. In the August 2005 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005;82(2):442-450) a research paper summarizes the findings from the ongoing NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) study in relation to markers of B vitamin levels before and after folate fortification.

Over 7300 subjects were sampled during 1999-2000 for blood levels of various B vitamin status indicators. These values were then compared to those obtained from an earlier phase of the study from 1993-1994, before folate fortification was employed. The results showed that the occurrence of low folate levels decreased from 16% to 0.5% in the general population, and in the elderly high folate levels were increased to 38% from only 7% before fortification. As well, 78% of the US population had total homocysteine concentrations <9 umol/L, which is suggested to be a desirable range. These results support folate fortification. However, for persons consuming low amounts of fortified foods (cereals and flour products), which is currently a common dietary measure, supplementation with folate is warranted. The typical daily dose is 800ug, and in most high quality multivitamins, this level is present.

Posted by Kristopher Foster on July 14, 2013 11:00 AM