Genomic DNA methylation changes in response to folic acid supplementation in a population-based intervention study among women of reproductive age.

ABSTRACT: Folate is a source of one-carbons necessary for DNA methylation, a critical epigenetic modification necessary for genomic structure and function. The use of supplemental folic acid is widespread however; the potential influence on DNA methylation is unclear. We measured global DNA methylation using DNA extracted from samples from a population-based, double-blind randomized trial of folic acid supplementation (100, 400, 4000 µg per day) taken for 6 months; including a 3 month post-supplementation sample. We observed no changes in global DNA methylation in response to up to 4,000 µg/day for 6 months supplementation in DNA extracted from uncoagulated blood (approximates circulating blood). However, when DNA methylation was determined in coagulated samples from the same individuals at the same

SUBMITTER: Crider KS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3233549 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature