Assessment of folate status among women of childbearing age from 2000 to 2020 / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To analyze the folate status among women of childbearing age worldwide from 2000 to 2020, and explore the impact of socioeconomic factors on folate status, so as to provide support for the formulation of relevant supplementary policies in China in the future. Methods: The "folate" "folic acid" "deficiency" "status" "women" "childbearing" and "reproductive" were used as Chinese and English keywords to systematically search CNKI and PubMed database. Global Health Data Exchange database (GDHx), Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia datasets (BRINDA) and Ground Work publications were systematically searched with "micronutrients" and "nutrition" as keywords. The retrieval time was from January 1, 2000 to August 31, 2020, and the language was restricted to English and Chinese. After title, abstract and full-text screening, a total of 45 literatures were included. The folate status of women of childbearing age in the eligible literature was analyzed, and the income and folate status were tested by Kruskal Wallis H test and Nemenyi test. Results: The M (Q1, Q3) of serum folate deficiency rate and erythrocyte folate insufficiency rate in women of childbearing age were 15.0% (3.5%, 37.0%) and 49.0% (22.0%, 83.0%). There were great differences in serum folate status and serum folate deficiency rate among women of childbearing age in different income countries. The serum folate deficiency rate of women of childbearing age in low-income countries was significantly higher than that in middle and high-income countries. Conclusion: The folate status of women of childbearing age in most countries has not reached the ideal state from 2000 to 2020. More studies on folate supplementation programs should be carried out.

Nutritional status of iron, vitamin B12, folate, retinol and anemia in children 1 to 11 years old: Results of the Ensanut 2012 / Estado nutricional de hierro, vitamina B12, folato, retinol y anemia en niños de 1 a 11 años: Resultados de la Ensanut 2012

Objective. To describe the frequency of anemia, iron, vitamin B12, folate, retinol and predictors of anemia among Mexican children from Ensanut 2012. Materials and methods. Hemoglobin, ferritin, CRP, vitamin B12, retinol and folate concentrations were measured in 2 678 children aged 1-4 y and 4 275 children aged 5-11 y. Adjusted logistic regression models were constructed to assess the risk for anemia and micronutrient deficiencies. Results. In preschoolers and scholars, the overall prevalence of anemia was 20.4 and 9.7%, iron deficiency 14 and 9.3%, low vitamin B12 (LB12S) 1.9 and 2.6%; Folate 0.30 and 0%, and retinol depletion (VADp) 15.7 and 2.3%, respectively. ID and VADp were negatively associated with Hb (coefficient: -0.38 and -0.45, p<0.05); a higher log-CRP was associated with higher risk for anemia and VADp (OR=1.13 and OR=2.1, p<0.05, respectively). Conclusions. Iron deficiency, anemia and VADp are some of the main nutritional problems among Mexican infants.

Objetivo. Describir la frecuencia de anemia, deficiencia de hierro, vitamina B12, folato, retinol y predictores de la anemia en niños mexicanos de la Ensanut 2012. Material y métodos. Se midieron las concentraciones de hemoglobina, ferritina, PCR, vitamina B12, retinol y folato en 2 678 niños de 1-4 años y 4 275 niños de 5-11 años. Se construyeron modelos de regresión logística para evaluar el riesgo de anemia y deficiencias de micronutrientes. Resultados. La prevalencia de anemia en preescolares y escolares fue 20.4 y 9.7%; deficiencia de hierro (DH) 14 y 9.3%; baja concentración de vitamina B12 (BCB12) 1.9 y 2.6%; folato 0.30 y 0%, y depleción de vitamina A (DpVA), 15.7 y 2.3%, respectivamente. La DH y DpVA se asociaron negativamente con la Hb (coeficiente: -0.38 y -0.45, p<0.05); a mayor log-PCR, mayor riesgo de anemia y DpVA (OR=1.13 y OR=2.1, p<0.05, respectivamente). Conclusiones. DH, anemia y DpVA son algunos de los principales problemas de nutrición en niños mexicanos.

Prevalence of iron, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies in 20 to 49 years old women: Ensanut 2012 / Prevalencia de deficiencias de hierro, folato y vitamina B12 en mujeres de 20 a 49 años: Ensanut 2012

Objective. To describe the prevalence of iron, folate, and B12 deficiencies in Mexican women of reproductive age from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (Ensanut) 2012. Materials and methods. Data came from a national probabilistic survey, representative from rural and urban areas, and different age groups. Blood samples were obtained from 4 263, 20 to 49 years old women for serum ferritin, vitamin B12 and serum folate concentrations. The prevalence of deficiencies, was assessed using adjusted logistic regression models. Results. The deficiency of folate was 1.9% (95%CI 1.3-2.8), B12 deficiency was 8.5% (95%CI 6.7-10.1) and iron deficiency was 29.4% (95%CI 26.5-32.2). No differences were found when compared with 2006, 24.8% (95%CI 22.3-27.2). Conclusions. The vitamin B12 deficiency is still a problem for women of reproductive age and their offspring in Mexico, while folate deficiency disappeared as a problem. Iron deficiency needs prevention and fortification strategies.

Objetivo. Describir las prevalencias de deficiencias de hierro, folato y B12 en mujeres mexicanas en edad reproductiva de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición (Ensanut) 2012. Material y métodos. Datos derivados de una encuesta probabilística nacional, representativa del área rural y urbana por grupos de edad. Se obtuvo una submuestra de sangre en 4 263 mujeres de 20 a 49 años de edad para medir las concentraciones séricas de ferritina, vitamina B12 y folato. Las deficiencias fueron evaluadas mediante regresiones logísticas múltiples ajustadas. Resultados. La prevalencia de deficiencias de folatos fue de 1.9% (IC95% 1.3-2.8) y vitamina B12 de 8.5% (IC95% 6.7-10.1). La deficiencia de hierro no fue diferente a la de 2006: 29.4% (IC95% 26.5-32.2) vs 24.8% (IC95% 22.3-27.2). Conclusiones. La prevalencia de deficiencias de hierro y vitamina B12 todavía representan un problema en mujeres mexicanas (20-49), mientras que la deficiencia de folato ha dejado de ser un problema de salud pública. Aún se requieren estrategias de prevención en México.

Nivel sérico de folato y vitamina B12 en adultos mayores chilenos: Resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud ENS 2009-2010 / Serum folate and vitamin B12 in older people: Results from the Chilean national health survey 2009-2010

Supraphysiological levels (SFL) of serum folate (SF) derived from flour fortification with folic acid (FA) could be risky among older adults with low vitamin B12 (B12) levels. Aim: To describe and analyze SF and B12 levels in older Chileans and to identify risk groups. Material and Methods: Participants were 1.043 older people aged ≥ 65 years from the National Health Chilean Health Survey 2009-2010 (ChNHS 2009-10), a multistage stratified random sample, representative of the national population. SF (µg/L) and B12 (pg/ml) were determined in fasting samples by competitive chemoluminescence immunoassay. Mean, deciles and percentiles 5 and 95th were calculated. We defined SF categories: < 4.4 (deficit); 4.41-20 (normal) and SFL: 20.01-25.6; 25.6-29 and > 29 µg/L (80th percentile of the distribution) and vitamin B12 categories: ≤ 200 (deficit); 200.1-299.5 (marginal deficit) and > 299.5 (normal). Prevalence rates, multiple and logistic regression models were used and adjusted by sex and age, educational level and residence area. Results: SF and B12 mean and 95th percentiles were 21.2 ± 0.56/38.6 µg/L and 348.4 ± 7.6/637(pg/ml) respectively. Forty nine percent of participants had SFL. Folate and B12 deficiency were present in 0.3 and 8.1% of participants, respectively. Men had significantly lower prevalence of SFL > 29 µg/L (OR adjusted odds ratio 0.47 95% confidence intervals: 0.26-0.84). B12 showed no significant variation by age and sex. The prevalence of SFL associated with B12 deficiency was 4.1%. No statistically significant association was observed between levels of folate and B12. Conclusions: Folate deficit is almost inexistent, but a significant percentage of participants had SFL suggesting the need for revising the current wheat flour fortification levels.

Prevalence of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency in Mexican children aged 1 to 6 years in a population-based survey / Distribución de la prevalencia de deficiencia de folato y vitamina B12 en niños mexicanos de 1 a 6 años de edad. Encuesta con base poblacional

OBJECTIVE: To describe the magnitude and distribution of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency in Mexican children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Folate and vitamin B12 serum concentrations were measured in a probabilistic sample of 2 099 children. Adjusted prevalence, mean concentrations and relevant associations were calculated based on series of logistic and linear regression models. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency were 3.2% and 7.7%, respectively. The highest prevalence of folate was found in the 2-year-old (7.9%), and of vitamin B12 in the 1 year-old (9.1%) groups. Being a beneficiary of the fortified milk program Liconsa was protectively associated with serum folate (p=0.001) and daily Intake of milk with vitamin B12 (p=0.002) concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: We describe the magnitude of folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies in Mexican children. The deficiency of both vitamins in children under 2 years old is a moderate public health problem in Mexico.

OBJETIVO: Describir la magnitud de la deficiencia de folato y vitamina B12 en niños mexicanos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se midieron las concentraciones séricas de folatos y vitamina B12 en una muestra probabilística de 2 099 niños. Se calcularon prevalencias ajustadas, medias de las concentraciones y las asociaciones relevantes mediante una serie de modelos de regresiones logísticas y lineales. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia global de deficiencia de folatos y vitamina B12 fueron 3.2% y 7.7%, respectivamente. La prevalencia más alta de folatos se encontró en el grupo de 2 años (7.9%) y de la vitamina B12 en los de 1 año de edad (9.1%). Ser beneficiario del programa de leche fortificada Liconsa estuvo asociado de manera protectora con el folato serico (p=0.001) y la ingestión diaria de leche con la de vitamina B12 (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONES: La deficiencia de ambas vitaminas, en los niños menores de dos años, es un problema de salud pública de magnitud moderada en México.

Cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos para estimación de ingestión de folato en México / Validity and reproducibility of a food frequency questionnaire to estimate folate intake in a Mexican population

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la reproducibilidad y validez de la ingestión de folato (IF),estimada a partir de un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo (CFC), considerando el factor de retención (FR) correspondiente al método de preparación empleado. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Al inicio del estudio se entrevistó a 497 adultos sanos; un año después se realizó una segunda entrevista a una muestra de 100 individuos seleccionados aleatoriamente,quenohubieran modificadosudietadurante el año previo; adicionalmente, para evaluar la validez de la IF, mediante radioinmunoensayo,se determinaron los niveles de folato sérico (FS). RESULTADOS: La reproducibilidad de la IF fue de 0.36 y 0.34 para el folato sin y con FR,respectivamente. Se observó una correlación significativa entre la IF y el FS de 0.18 con FR y 0.21 sin FR (p<0.05, respectivamente). CONCLUSIONES: Incorporar el FR en las estimaciones de la IF no mejora la reproducibilidad ni la validez de las mismas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reproducibility and validity of folate intake (FI) estimated from a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), taking into account the retention factor (RF) associated with meal preparation processes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 497 healthy adult participants were interviewed with a FFQ.A second interview was performed one year later of a sample of 100 randomly selected individuals who had not modified their diet during the previous year. In addition,serum folate (SF) concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay to evaluate the validity of FI. RESULTS: Reproducibility of IF was 0.36 and 0.34 for folate without FR and with FR, respectively. SF concentration significantly correlated with FI (0.18 with RF; 0.21 without RF, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Incorporating the folate RF in estimates of FI does not improve the reproducibility and validity of those estimates.

Megaloblastic anemia: Back in focus.

Megaloblastic anemia (MA), in most instances in developing countries, results from deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid. Over the last two to three decades, incidence of MA seems to be increasing. Of the two micronutrients, folic acid deficiency contributed to MA in a large majority of cases. Now deficiency of B12 is far more common. In addition to anemia, occurrence of neutropenia and/or thrombocytopenia is increasingly being reported. Among cases presenting with pancytopenia, MA stands out as an important (commonest cause in some series) cause. This article focuses on these and certain other aspects of MA. Possible causes of increasing incidence of MA are discussed. Observations on other clinical features like neurocognitive dysfunction, associated hyperhomocysteinemeia and occurrence of tremors and thrombocytosis during treatment are highlighted.

Folatos y hierro en mujeres en edad fértil de una comunidad en Venezuela afectada por la incidencia de defectos del tubo neural / Folate and iron in fertile age women from a Venezuelan community affected by incidence of neural tube defects

El objetivo de este estudio transversal fue identificar el estado nutricional de folatos y hierro en mujeres en edad fértil del Municipio Jiménez, Estado Lara, Venezuela. El muestreo fue probabilístico por conglomerados del área urbana y rural, seleccionándose 15 conglomerados donde se estudiaron a las mujeres entre 12 y 45 años (269 mujeres). Previa firma del consentimiento informado, se les practicó: Encuesta con datos personales, antecedentes y variables relacionadas con folatos y hierro; datos socioeconómicos (Encuesta Graffar-Méndez Castellano y Necesidades Básicas Insatisfechas); en muestra de sangre se determinó Hemoglobina y Folato Eritrocitario (FE); en suero se determinó Ferritina, y Folato Sérico (FS). 53,53% de la muestra presentó valores bajos de FS, y el 10,78% valores deficientes. 80,7% presentó deficiencia severa según FE y 5,9% deficiencia moderada. En ambas pruebas, la media fue mayor en mujeres tratadas con Acido Fólico ó embarazadas (p=0,000) y la media del FE también resultó mayor en adultas que adolescentes (p=0,001) y en mujeres no pobres (p=0,011); no hubo diferencias significativas según ingesta de café, alcohol, anticonceptivos, procedencia, estrato social. La anemia se determinó en 11,2%, más frecuente en adultas (p=0,029) y en las del medio urbano (p=0,042). Ferritina baja se encontró en 37.3% de la muestra, las diferencias según variables no fueron significativas. En conclusión, la prevalencia de deficiencia de hierro y folatos en mujeres en edad fértil del Municipio Jiménez es alta, ésta podría constituir un factor condicionante de defectos del tubo neural, por lo cual deben ejecutarse estrategias para superar este déficit.

The objective of this transversal study was to determine folate and iron nutritional status of women in fertile age from Municipio Jiménez, Lara State, Venezuela. The sampling was probabilistic by conglomerates from the urban and rural areas, selecting 15 conglomerates from which women between 12 and 45 years (269), were studied. After signing informed consent, participating were interviewed for personal data, antecedents related to folate and iron, socioeconomic data (Graffar-Mendez Castellano method and unsatisfied basic needs). In blood sample was determined Hemoglobin, and Erythrocytic Folate (FE). Serum was obtained to determine Ferritin and Serum Folate (FS). 53,53% of the sample presented low FS levels, 10.78% were FS deficient. Severe FE deficiency was present in 80.7% of the cases, moderate deficiency affected 5,9%. For both tests, median was higher for women in treatment with Acido Fólico or pregnant (p=0,000), median for FE was higher for adults (p=0.001) and in non poor women (p=0.011). There were no significant differences for coffee, alcohol, anticonceptive consumption, urban or rural resident or socioeconomic strata. The prevalence of anemia was 11,2% being significantly more frequent in adults than in adolescents (p= 0,029) and in urban women (p=0,042). Low ferritin were found in 37,3% of the sample, the effect of different variables was not statistically significant. In conclusion, there is a high prevalence of iron and folate deficiencies in women of fertile age from Municipio Jiménez, which could constitute a conditioning factor for the appearance of neural tube defects.

Déficit de vitamina B-12 en adultos mayores: ¿Un problema de salud pública en Chile? / Prevalence of vitamin B-12 deficiency in older adults

Background: There is a correlation between aging and the decrease of plasma levels of vitamin B-12. Aim: To determine the prevalence of vitamin B-12 and folate deficiency and its hematological impact among older adults (AM). Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study, in 1028 subjects aged 65 to 87years, living in community and evaluated between 2005 and 2008. Percentile distribution of vitamin B-12, folate, hemoglobin, packed red cell volume and mean cell volume by gender and age were analyzed. Deficiency was defined as vitamin B-12 levels < 148 pmol/L, marginal deficiency as vitamin B-12 levels < 221 pmol/L, anemia was defined as a hemoglobin < 13 and 12 g/dL among men and women, respectively. Results: The prevalence of vitamin B-12 deficiency was 12 percent and the figure for marginal deficiency was 25.4 percent. Males were more affected than females (p < 0.001). The frequency of anemia was 8.6 percento, and was higher among women (p = 0.004). Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of full blown and marginal deficit of vitamin B-12 among the elderly. This deficiency should be considered for correction through public nutrition policies.

High prevalence of mild hyperhomocysteinemia and folate, B12 and B6 deficiencies in an urban population in Karachi, Pakistan

To find out the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia, and deficiencies of folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 in an urban population in Karachi, Pakistan. In a pre and post experimental study, eight hundred and seventy-two apparently healthy adults [aged 18-60 years; 355 males and 517 females] were recruited from a low-income urban locality in East of Karachi from February 2006 to March 2007. Fasting venous blood was obtained. Serum was analyzed for folate and vitamin B12. Plasma was analyzed for pyridoxal phosphate [PLP, coenzymic form of B6] and total homocysteine. A group of vitamin-deficient individuals [n=194] was given 3-week supplementation with folic acid [5mg/day], methycobalamin [0.5mg/day] and pyridoxine hydrochloride [vitamin B6, 50 mg/day]. After supplementation, serum/plasma levels of folate, vitamin B12, PLP and homocysteine were again determined. Prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia [>15micromol/l] was 32%. Similarly percent values of folate deficiency [<3.5ng/ml], vitamin B6 deficiency [PLP<20 nmol/l] and vitamin B12 deficiency [<200pg/ml] in the study population were 27.5%, 33.7% and 9.74%, respectively. Hyperhomocysteinemia was associated with male sex, folate deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency [OR [95%CI], 8.3[5.7-12.1]; 2.5[1.76-3.58]; 2.6[1.5-4.5], respectively]. A 3-week supplementation with folic acid, methycobalamin and pyridoxine hydrochloride in vitamin-deficient subjects decreased plasma homocysteine levels by 37%. High prevalence estimates of folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 deficiencies appear to be the major determinants of hyperhomocysteinemia in a low income general population in Karachi

Vitamins A, and C and folate status in Mexican children under 12 years and women 12-49 years: a probabilistic national survey

OBJETIVO: Describir la epidemiología de las deficiencias de las vitaminas A y C y del ácido fólico, y analizar su asociación con factores sociodemográficos y dietéticos en una muestra probabilística nacional de mujeres y niños mexicanos. Informar acerca del estado nutricio de estas vitaminas en una muestra probabilística nacional en México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Esta muestra probabilística de la Encuesta Nacional de Nutrición 1999 incluyó 1 966 niños y 920 mujeres. Las concentraciones séricas de las vitaminas A y C fueron medidas por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución HPLC (por sus siglas en inglés) y las de ácido fólico en sangre total por un método microbiológico. Se exploraron los posibles determinantes de la deficiencia de tales nutrimentos mediante modelos de regresión logística. RESULTADOS: La deficiencia de vitamina A (retinol <10 µg/dl) fue rara, tanto en niños como en mujeres. El 25 por ciento de los niños de 1 a 8 años de edad tuvieron deficiencia subclínica (retinol >10 <20 µg/dl). El riesgo de tener deficiencia subclínica de vitamina A fue menor en los niños de mayor edad (OR=0.98, p=0.01) y en mujeres con mayor índice de masa corporal (OR=0.93, p=0.01). El 30 por ciento de los niños <2 años de edad y 40 por ciento de las mujeres tuvieron deficiencia de vitamina C. El riesgo de esta deficiencia fue menor en niños y mujeres de nivel socioeconómico alto (OR=0.69, p=0.03, y OR=0.80, p=0.04), y mayor en mujeres de mayor edad (OR=1.02, p=0.05). En los niños la prevalencia de deficiencia de ácido fólico varió entre 2.3 y 11.2 por ciento, en las mujeres de 5 por ciento. El riesgo de tener deficiencia de folatos fue menor en niños con nivel socioeconómico alto (OR=0.66, p=0.04), y menor en aquellos que consumían más vegetales (OR= 0.22, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONES: La alta prevalencia en México de deficiencia subclínica de vitamina A en niños y de vitamina C tanto en niños como en mujeres reclama acciones programáticas para reducirlas.

Deficiencia de folatos y su asociación con defectos de cierre del tubo neural en el norte de México / Folic acid deficiency and its relationship with neural tube defects in northern Mexico

Objetivo. Valora la asociación de la deficiencia de folatos y otros factores de riesgo con la ocurrencia de defectos de cierre del tubo neural (DCTN), en la población rural del norte de México (Chihuahua, Durango y Zacatecas). Material y métodos. Se hizo un estudio multicéntrico de casos y controles. Se consideraron como casos a los recién nacidos vivos (RNV) y a los muertos con DCTN, y como controles, a los RNV sanos, no malformados. Se determinó la exposición a factores de riesgo conocidos, estableciendo su asociación con los DCTN, con un modelo de análisis múltiple de regresión logística. Resultados. Los factores de riesgo asociados a DCTN fueron: la deficiencia de folatos (RM 11.1; IC95 por ciento 1.2-106.2, p= 0.04); el antecedente, en embarazos previos, de productos con DCTN (RM 3.3; IC95 por ciento 1.1-18.8, p= 0.05), y óbitos (RM 7.1; IC95 por ciento 1.1-46.3, p= 0.04). Conclusiones. La deficiencia de folatos constituye uno de los principales factores de riesgo asociado a los DCTN en la población rural del norte de México. Es necesario llevar a cabo más investigaciones para determinar la contribución de otros factores de riesgo y establecer las medidas preventivas adecuadas

Niveles de homocisteína en adultos sanos chilenos / Serum homocysteine levels in healthy chilean adults

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia is a newly recognized cardiovascular risk factor that is present in 10 to 20percent of European and North American individuals. Aim: To measure homocysteine levels in healthy adults in Chile. Subjects and methods: Serum homocysteine levels were measured in healthy adults using a fluorimetric HPLC method. Folic acid, vitamin B12, serum lipids, creatinine and glucose were also assessed. All subjects answered a dietary habits questionnaire. Results: One hundred twenty eight subjects (90 female) aged 22 to 78 years old were studied. Homocysteine levels were 9.7 ñ 6.0 and 7.0 ñ 3.1 µmol/l in men and women respectively (p< 0.001). Folic acid levels were 6.1 ñ 2.7 and 6.1 ñ 2.9 ng/ml in men and women, and 24percent of individuals had values below 4 ng/ml. Vitamin B12 levels were 393 ñ 147 and 393 ñ 163 pg/ml in the same groups. There was a negative correlation between homocysteine and folic acid levels and a positive correlation between homocysteine and creatinine levels. Conclusions: Homocysteine levels in healthy Chilean individuals are similar to those reported abroad. Low folic acid levels were found in 24percent of subjects

Relationships of vitamin B1, B12, folate and the cognitive ability of the Thai rural elderly.

The comparisons of the levels of vitamin B1, B12 and folate between the elderly with good and poor cognitive ability are the goals of this study. 203 subjects enrolled in 3 geriatric centers of Ratchaburi province and nearby were recruited. All the subjects were tested with structured Thai Mini Mental State Examination (TMSE) questionnaire by trained examiners. With the cut off point of 23 out of 30 in TMSE, 31 per cent were designated as poor cognitive group. Radiodilution assay was used to determine the level of serum B12 and red cell folate while the TPP effect was processed by spectrophotometry. The prevalence of vitamin B1, B12 and folate deficiency were 30.2 per cent, 3.8 per cent and 8.2 per cent consecutively. None of the studied vitamin levels was shown to be significantly different between the poor and good cognitive group suggesting no proved indication to the use of vitamin B1, B12 and folate in the healthy elderly with poor cognitive function.

Estudio de prevalencia de la deficiencia de hierro y ácido fólico en trabajadores industriales / Study of prevalence of iron and folic acid deficiency in industrial workers

Se realizó un estudio de prevalencia de la deficiencia de hierro y folatos en la Industria Tenería "Mártires de Ñancahuazú" de Matanzas. Tenían deficiencia de hierro el 0,9 % de los hombres y el 17,7 % de las mujeres, distribuídos de la siguiente forma: déficit prelatente 3,3%, déficit latente 6,4% y déficit manifiesto 8 % Ningún hombre presentó anemia. La deficiencia de folato fue de 11,3 % en las mujeres y de 12,3 % en los hombres

Perfil hematológico y absorción del hierro de dietas que consume la población de estrato socioeconómico bajo de dos estados de Venezuela / Hematologic profile and absorption of iron from diets consumed by a population of low socioeconomic level of 2 Venezuelan states

Los estudios hematológicos practicados en habitantes del Estado Carabobo revelaron que el 19% del grupo estudiado acusaba deficiencia de hierro estuvo ausente en el hombre y se registró, con una frecuencia del 5 al 13%, en los otros gurpos. Las pruebas de absorción de hierro de los alimentos de la dieta promedio de la poblacion del Estado Carabobo y de la que consumen los adultos del estrato social de bajos recursos de los E Carabobo y Yaracuy, mostró que su biodisponibilidad en sujetos normales era inferior a lso requerimientos fisiológicos del hombre, de la mujer y de los niños. En los sujetos con deficiencia de hierro la biodisponibilidad del mismo puede cubrir las necesidades fisiológicos del hombre, de la mujer y de los niños.En los sujetos con deficiencia de hierro la biodisponibilidad de mismo puede cubrir las necesidades fisiológicas. Se estima que una proporción importante de los estratos de población que consumen tales dietas sufren de deficiencia nutricional de hierro, especialmente las mujeres durante la edad reproductiva, y los niños.

Nutrición de folato en escolares / Folate nutrition in school children

En un grupo de escolares de baja condición socio-económica, se encontró una prevalencia de deficiencia de ácido fólico (folato eritrocitario < 140 ng/ml) de un 6,0%. Los niveles de folato encontrados fueron más bajos que los obtenidos en un grupo de lactantes