Influence of smoking on folate intake and blood folate concentrations in a group of elderly Spanish men.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between smoking habits and folate status in a group of elderly Spanish men. DESIGN: We studied folate intake, serum and erythrocyte folate concentrations, hematological and biochemical data in 72 elderly males (comparing 24 smokers data with 44 nonsmokers ones). RESULTS: Percentage deficiencies for folate intake, serum and erythrocyte levels were higher in smokers. Serum folate levels were significantly higher in nonsmokers. Smokers had higher mean corpuscular volume than did nonsmokers. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking could be harmful to the intake and folate status. For smokers who will not give up the habit, improved dietary intake or a folate supplement is advisable.