Estimating the serum folate concentration that corresponds to the red blood cell folate concentration threshold associated with optimal neural tube defects prevention: A population-based biomarker survey in Southern India.

ABSTRACT:

Background

RBC folate concentrations are monitored at the population level, with a recommended threshold for optimal neural tube defect (NTD) prevention. A corresponding threshold for serum folate has not been established.

Objectives

This study aimed to estimate the serum folate insufficiency threshold corresponding to the RBC folate threshold for NTD prevention and examine how this threshold is modified by vitamin B₁₂ status.

Methods

Participants were women (15-40 y; not pregnant or lactating; n = 977) from a population-based biomarker survey in Southern India. RBC folate and serum folate were measured via microbiologic assay. RBC folate deficiency (<305 nmol/L) and insufficiency (<748 nmol/L), serum vitamin B₁₂ deficiency (<148 pmol/L) and vita

SUBMITTER: Fothergill A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10356561 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature