Metabonomic study on women of reproductive age treated with nutritional intervention: screening potential biomarkers related to neural tube defects occurrence

2010 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 767-774 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiting Jiang ◽  
Qionglin Liang ◽  
Yong Wang ◽  
Xiaoying Zheng ◽  
Lijun Pei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neural Tube ◽  
Neural Tube Defects ◽  
Nutritional Intervention ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Potential Biomarkers

Kinetics of myo-inositol loading in women of reproductive age

2003 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal M.W. Groenen ◽  
Hans M.W.M. Merkus ◽  
Fred C.G.J. Sweep ◽  
Ron A. Wevers ◽  
Fokje S.M. Janssen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neural Tube ◽  
Neural Tube Defects ◽  
Plasma Insulin ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Serum Glucose ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Loading Test ◽  
Intracellular Signalling Pathway ◽  
Urinary Glucose

Background: Myo-inositol plays a key role in an important intracellular signalling pathway. A deranged myo-inositol metabolism has been associated with neural tube defects. A myo-inositol loading test was performed to investigate the kinetics in healthy women of reproductive age. Methods: Five healthy non-obese females {mean age (standard deviation: SD) 22·8 (2·2) years} were recruited at the University Medical Center Nijmegen. Blood samples were drawn fasting and at 20, 40, 60, 90, 180 and 270 min after ingestion of 100 mg/kg body weight of myo-inositol. Urine samples were collected before myo-inositol loading and at 180 and 270 min post-loading. Samples were analysed for serum myo-, epi- and scyllo-inositol and glucose concentrations by gas chromatography. Plasma insulin concentrations were determined by radio-immunoassay. Random intercept models were fitted to evaluate the data. Results: The estimated myo-inositol and scyllo-inositol concentrations both reached maximum values at 180 min post-loading, respectively: mean (SD) 101·5 (9·2) µmol/L and 1·09 (0·11) µmol/L. The estimated plasma insulin and serum glucose concentrations decreased slightly but significantly during the experiment: P < 0·0001 and P < 0·05, respectively. At 180 and 270 min post-loading, urinary myo-inositol concentrations were increased and urinary glucose concentrations were unchanged. Conclusions: Myo-inositol enters the bloodstream quickly after oral ingestion and a small amount of myo-inositol is converted to scyllo-inositol. The synthesis of glucose from myo-inositol could not be detected by serum measurements. These data can be used in further research into the association between myo-inositol and neural tube defects.

scholarly journals Inadequate Status and Low Awareness of Folate in Switzerland—A Call to Strengthen Public Health Measures to Ensure Sufficient Intakes

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3729
Author(s):  
Isabelle Herter-Aeberli ◽  
Nina Wehrli ◽  
Kurt Bärlocher ◽  
Maria Andersson ◽  
Janice Sych
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Neural Tube Defects ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Elevated Risk ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Folate Concentration ◽  
Folate Status

Background: Folate plays an essential role in the prevention of neural tube defects, yet little is known about the folate status of women of reproductive age or to what degree the general population is aware of the importance of folate in early-life development. We aimed to determine folate status in women of reproductive age and pregnant women in Switzerland, and to assess folate awareness in the Swiss population. Methods: In a convenience sample of 171 women of reproductive age and 177 pregnant women throughout Switzerland, we measured red blood cell (RBC) folate concentration. In a second convenience sample (n = 784, men and women) we assessed folate knowledge with an online survey. Results: RBC folate concentration (median interquartile range) was 442 (366, 564) nmol/L in women of reproductive age and 873 (677, 1177) nmol/L in pregnant women. Folate deficiency (RBC folate <340 nmol/L) was found in 19.9% of women of reproductive age and 2.8% of pregnant women, while 91.8% of women of reproductive age and 52.0% of pregnant women showed folate concentrations indicating an elevated risk of neural tube defects (RBC folate <906 nmol/L). The online survey showed that a high proportion (≥88%) of participants were aware of folate’s role in neural tube defect (NTD) prevention and fetal development, yet knowledge about dietary sources and national recommendations of folate supplementation when planning pregnancy were limited. Conclusion: The high prevalence of folate inadequacy in Swiss women suggests an elevated risk of neural tube defects and calls for urgent measures to increase folate intakes.

scholarly journals Impact of Voluntary Folic Acid Fortification of Corn Masa Flour on RBC Folate Concentrations in the U.S. (NHANES 2011–2018)

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1325
Author(s):  
Arick Wang ◽  
Charles E. Rose ◽  
Yan Ping Qi ◽  
Jennifer L. Williams ◽  
Christine M. Pfeiffer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Neural Tube Defects ◽  
Hispanic Women ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Folic Acid Fortification ◽  
Folate Concentration ◽  
Corn Masa ◽  
The U.S

Surveillance data have highlighted continued disparities in neural tube defects (NTDs) by race-ethnicity in the United States. Starting in 2016, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized voluntary folic acid fortification of corn masa flour to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) among infants of Hispanic women of reproductive age. To assess the impact of voluntary corn masa fortification, cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2018 for Hispanic women of reproductive age with available red blood cell (RBC) folate concentrations were analyzed, with additional analyses conducted among Hispanic women whose sole source of folic acid intake was fortified foods (enriched cereal grain products (ECGP) only), excluding ready-to-eat cereals and supplements. RBC folate concentration (adjusted geometric mean) among Hispanic women of reproductive age did not differ between 2011–2016 and 2017–2018, though RBC folate concentration increased significantly among lesser acculturated Hispanic women consuming ECGP only. Concentrations of RBC folate for those born outside the U.S and residing in the U.S <15 years increased from 894 nmol/L (95% CI: 844–946) in 2011–2016 to 1018 nmol/L (95% CI: 982–1162; p < 0.001) in 2017–2018. Primarily Spanish-speaking Hispanic women of reproductive age who only consumed ECGP saw an increase from 941 nmol/L (95% CI: 895–990) in 2011–2016 to 1034 nmol/L (95% CI: 966–1107; p = 0.03) in 2017–2018. By subpopulation, we observed no significant changes in the proportion at risk of NTDs (<748 nmol/L) and no changes in the model-based estimated NTD rates following voluntary corn masa fortification. This analysis suggests that there is a remaining risk among Hispanics for folate sensitive NTDs, though continued monitoring of folate status in future NHANES data cycles will help inform the long-term efficacy of voluntary fortification of corn masa flour.

Changes in folic acid supplementation behaviour among women of reproductive age after the implementation of a massive supplementation programme in China

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 582-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jufen Liu ◽  
Lei Jin ◽  
Qinqin Meng ◽  
Lili Gao ◽  
Le Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Neural Tube Defects ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Chinese Women ◽  
Folic Acid Supplementation ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Acid Supplementation ◽  
Low Prevalence

AbstractObjectiveTo examine changes in periconceptional folic acid supplementation behaviour among Chinese women of reproductive age after the implementation of a folic acid supplementation programme.DesignTwo cross-sectional surveys were conducted.SettingOne survey was before (2002–2004) and the other was after (2011–2012) implementation of the programme, both were conducted in two areas of China with different prevalence of neural tube defects. Information on supplementation behaviours was collected in face-to-face interviews with women early in their pregnancy.SubjectsA total of 1257 and 1736 pregnant women participated before and after the programme, respectively.ResultsThe rate of periconceptional folic acid supplementation increased from 15 % to 85 % in the high-prevalence population and from 66 % to 92 % in the low-prevalence population. However, more than half of the women began taking the supplement after learning they were pregnant. The proportion of women who began taking folic acid before their last menstrual period decreased after the programme in rural areas with both a high and low prevalence of neural tube defects.ConclusionsAlthough periconceptional folic acid supplementation among Chinese women increased substantially after the programme, supplementation was often initiated too late to be effective in preventing neural tube defects. Educational and promotional campaigns should focus on how to increase the rate of folic acid supplementation before pregnancy.

Knowledge and Use of Folic Acid: In Women of Reproductive Age

2011 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 197-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly R.S. Fehr ◽  
Kelsey D.H. Fehr ◽  
Jennifer Lisa Penner Protudjer
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Folic Acid ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Neural Tube Defects ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Childbearing Age ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age

Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects. As approximately 50% of pregnancies are unintended, women of reproductive age should be aware of the importance of folic acid. We reviewed the existing literature on these women’s knowledge of folic acid and neural tube defects. Databases searched were PubMed, CINAHL, and Health Reference Center Academic. We used terms such as “folic acid knowledge” and “folic acid awareness” to search articles published from 1998 to 2010. Awareness of the benefits of folic acid before conception and during pregnancy was low, although knowledge levels were associated with education and household income. Women who were already knowledgeable about folic acid cited health care professionals, magazines and newspapers, and radio and television as common sources of information. Effective knowledge translation is needed to ensure that women are informed about the benefits of folic acid during the reproductive years. This knowledge will allow them to make informed decisions about folic acid consumption. Health care professionals play an influential role in promoting folic acid knowledge among women of childbearing age. Lower levels of knowledge among women with lower levels of education and/or household income must be addressed.

scholarly journals Folic acid awareness and intake among women in areas with high prevalence of neural tube defects in China: a cross-sectional study

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 1142-1147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ziqian Zeng ◽  
Ping Yuan ◽  
Yanping Wang ◽  
Xi Ma ◽  
Jun Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Neural Tube Defects ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Intake Rate ◽  
Childbearing Age ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Prevalence

AbstractObjectiveTo measure folic acid awareness and intake rates among women of childbearing age in certain areas of China with a high prevalence of neural tube defects (NTD).DesignA cross-sectional survey was carried out utilising a nineteen-item questionnaire enquiring into individual women's knowledge of, attitude towards and practice of folic acid supplementation.SettingA total of 293 low-income counties in six provinces of China.SubjectsWomen aged 19–44 years from six provinces with a high prevalence of NTD recruited from June to August 2008.ResultsAmong 33 025 participants, 57 % had heard of folic acid but only 15 % knew all of the core information. The intake rate was 12 %; only 8 % took the recommended dose and only 4 % of non-pregnant women took folic acid. Some women did not take folic acid because they did not know that they should take it (49 %) or they had misconceptions about it (24 %). According to logistic regression analysis, rural residence was a risk factor for folic acid awareness. Ethnicity, educational level, average annual income per person and pregnancy were the influencing factors of folic acid awareness and folic acid intake.ConclusionsAlthough more than half of the respondents had heard of folic acid, the intake rate was still very low in areas with a high prevalence of NTD. Thus, more efforts are needed to increase folic acid awareness and intake among women of reproductive age in these areas.

scholarly journals Periconceptional Folate Deficiency and Implications in Neural Tube Defects

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Safi ◽  
L. Joyeux ◽  
G. E. Chalouhi
Keyword(s):  
Neural Tube ◽  
Neural Tube Defects ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Fetal Surgery ◽  
Folate Deficiency ◽  
Folic Acid Supplementation ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Nutritional Deficiencies ◽  
Preventive Public Health

Nutritional deficiencies are preventable etiological and epigenetic factors causing congenital abnormalities, first cause of infant mortality. Folate deficiency has a well-established teratogenic effect, leading to an increasing risk of neural tube defects. This paper highlights the most recent medical literature about folate deficiency, be it maternal or paternal. It then focuses on associated deficiencies as nutritional deficiencies are multiple and interrelated. Observational and interventional studies have all been consistent with a 50–70% protective effect of adequate women consumption of folates on neural tube defects. Since strategies to modify women’s dietary habits and vitamin use have achieved little progress, scientific as well as political effort is mandatory in order to implement global preventive public health strategies aimed at improving the alimentation of women in reproductive age, especially folic acid supplementation. Even with the recent breakthrough of fetal surgery for myelomeningocele, the emphasis should still be on prevention as the best practice rather than treatment of neural tube defects.

scholarly journals Level of Awareness and Knowledge of Folic Acid Intake among Women in the Reproductive Age in ARAR Region, Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
pp. 287-297
Author(s):  
Abdulrahman Mazki Alanazi ◽  
Abdullah Juayf Alanazi ◽  
Yasir Wadi Alanazi ◽  
Muhammad Sari Alanazi ◽  
Ghada Rezk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Folic Acid ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Neural Tube Defects ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Folic Acid Supplementation ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Acid Supplementation

Background: Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects. As approximately 50% of pregnancies are unintended, women of reproductive age should be aware of the importance of folic acid. This study aims to assess the level of awareness and knowledge among childbearing female on the importance of preconception folic acid supplementation in preventing neural tube defects (NTDs) in Arar city. Methodology: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Arar city, Norther Saudi Arabia on included Saudi women in reproductive age. A pre-designed online questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was entered and analyzed using statistical package for Social Sciences Program, version 20 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA). The results were displayed as counts, percentages. Appropriate statistical tests will be used for comparisons. P ≤ 0.05 is considered significant. Results: The sample consisted of 428 women in reproductive age, 60.1% aged between 30 to 40 years, 39% aged between 20 to 30 years and only 0.9% aged between 18 to 20 years old. 91.8% were married. 85% of participants reported that their doctor prescribed folic pills for them before. 95.1% think that women should take folic acid pills in pregnancy while 75.2% think that it is necessary to take folic pills pre-pregnancy. 85.3% had taken folic acid pills in previous pregnancy. 31.3% think that it should be stopped after pregnancy. 84.6% think that folate deficiency causes fetal abnormalities. Only 8.4% of studied women reported attending seminar or lecture on folic acid importance. Conclusion: The results of the current study affirmed good knowledge of folic acid supplementation usage during pregnancy among women in Arar, KSA. There was a significant association between knowledge of folic acid taking importance during pregnancy with marital status, number of children, and educational level of participants.

scholarly journals Reducing the Burden of Anemia and Neural Tube Defects in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: An Analysis to Identify Countries with an Immediate Potential to Benefit from Large-Scale Mandatory Fortification of Wheat Flour and Rice

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 244
Author(s):  
Vijaya Kancherla ◽  
Manpreet Chadha ◽  
Laura Rowe ◽  
Andrew Thompson ◽  
Sakshi Jain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wheat Flour ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Neural Tube Defects ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Life Years ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Using a predetermined set of criteria, including burden of anemia and neural tube defects (NTDs) and an enabling environment for large-scale fortification, this paper identifies 18 low- and middle-income countries with the highest and most immediate potential for large-scale wheat flour and/or rice fortification in terms of health impact and economic benefit. Adequately fortified staples, delivered at estimated coverage rates in these countries, have the potential to avert 72.1 million cases of anemia among non-pregnant women of reproductive age; 51,636 live births associated with folic acid-preventable NTDs (i.e., spina bifida, anencephaly); and 46,378 child deaths associated with NTDs annually. This equates to a 34% reduction in the number of cases of anemia and 38% reduction in the number of NTDs in the 18 countries identified. An estimated 5.4 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) could be averted annually, and an economic value of 31.8 billion United States dollars (USD) generated from 1 year of fortification at scale in women and children beneficiaries. This paper presents a missed opportunity and warrants an urgent call to action for the countries identified to potentially avert a significant number of preventable birth defects, anemia, and under-five child mortality and move closer to achieving health equity by 2030 for the Sustainable Development Goals.

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