Unmetabolized serum folic acid and its relation to folic acid intake from diet and supplements in a nationally representative sample of adults aged > or =60 y in the United States.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Unmetabolized serum folic acid (UMFA) has been detected in adults. Previous research indicates that high folic acid intakes may be associated with risk of cancer.

Objective

The objective was to examine UMFA concentrations in relation to dietary and supplemental folate and status biomarkers in the US population aged > or =60 y.

Design

Surplus sera were analyzed with the use of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2002, a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey (n = 1121).

Results

UMFA was detected in 38% of the population, with a mean concentration of 4.4 +/- 0.6 nmol/L (median: 1.2+/- 0.2 nmol/L). The group with UMFA (UMFA+) had a significantly higher proportion of folic acid supplement users than did

SUBMITTER: Bailey RL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2904036 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature