Clinic-based Assessment of Folate Levels for Women of Reproductive Age, as an Impact Indicator for a National Food Fortification Program in Tanzania.
Article
in English
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-165622
ABSTRACT
Objectives:
To determine prevalence of folate deficiency and effectiveness of the National Food Fortification Program on folate levels among women of reproductive age in Tanzania.Methods:
A Prospective cohort study comparing participants’ folate levels prior and gradually upon the roll-out and scale-up of the national food fortification program. A total of 636 women of reproductive age (18-49 years) enrolled and undergoing follow-up across 10 primary health facilities in Dar Es Salaam. Blood samples, food frequency, and fortified food consumption data collected at baseline (prior the program roll out), 6, 9 and 12 months. Serum folate assays performed using e411Cobas machine and results merged with food frequency and intake data.Results:
We present baseline and follow-up data, estimating pre & fortification era folate levels for women of reproductive age in Tanzania. More than 25% of women have pre-fortification intake <80% their RDA for folate (mean 446, median 416, IQR ranging between 313-551micrograms). Wheat consumption is high with median portion intake of wheat-carbohydrates approximating 1 portion/day. demographics, complementing serum folate assays results will be presented.Conclusions:
Low folate intake and high wheat consumption suggest potential for mandatory folate fortification of wheat in Tanzania.
Full text:
Available
Index:
IMSEAR (South-East Asia)
Type of study:
Observational study
Language:
English
Year:
2015
Type:
Article
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