A Review of Folate Intake, Methodology, and Status

摘要

There are numerous forms of the B complex vitamin, folacin, that have metabolic activity. Methods to differentiate among these forms and to measure total folate are reviewed. Analysis of folate content of foods has yielded variable results, thereby limiting direct estimates of folate intakes. Availability of food folates as estimated by disappearance data is about 225 micrograms/d for the United States population. Correlation of compromised folate status and low dietary intake of folate status in subgroups of the population has not been demonstrated. However, available data indicate that subgroups at risk of folate deficiency, as determined by biochemical analysis, include premature infants, adolescents, pregnant women, lactating or non-lactating women postpartum, alcoholics, and the elderly. While such data suggest compromised folate status, evidence from large surveys is insufficient to determine whether a problem of public health significance exists in the United States. Studies of folate fortification of foods are reviewed.