Comparison of vitamin A, C, B[6], B[12], and Folic Acid intakes in two areas of Rasht and Qavzin

ABSTRACT

An adequate vitamin intake is necessary for proper body function. To determine vitamin [A, C, B6, B12 and folic acid] intakes among people from two areas of Rasht and Qazvin. This cross-sectional study was performed on 1100 cases over 30 years in Rasht and Qazvin in 2003. Dietary assessment was performed using questionnaire. Statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square test. Over 70% of people in Rasht and more than 60% in Qazvin received less than 1000 IU vitamin A. Two percent of cases in Rasht and less than 10% in Qazvin didn't receive adequate vitamin C. However, three quarter of subjects in Rasht received vitamin C intake at level higher than recommended intake. Regarding vitamins B6 and B12, no deficiency was observed. In these two cities, only 20% of men and less than 10% of the women received adequate folic acid. Most people particularly women received lower levels of both vitamin A and folic acid compared to recommended intakes