Age-specific associations of RBC folate and several serum folate forms with obesity risk: NHANES 2011-2018.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study aims to explore the associations between RBC folate, several serum folate forms [serum total folate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-mTHF), and unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA)], and obesity risk in middle-aged and older populations.

Methods

Data from NHANES (2011-2018) included 11,615 participants. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were applied to investigate associations of RBC folate and various serum folate forms with obesity risk after multivariable adjustment. Potential effect modifications were examined through stratified analyses and multiplicative interaction testing.

Results

Among the total sample, middle-aged, and older participants, 4578 (39.4%), 3613 (40.0%), and 965 (37.2%) were obese, respectively. A positive association between RBC fola

SUBMITTER: Wang M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12020389 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature