Folate Deficiency Is Prevalent in Women of Childbearing Age in Belize and Is Negatively Affected by Coexisting Vitamin B-12 Deficiency: Belize National Micronutrient Survey 2011

摘要: Background: Folate deficiency, vitamin B-12 and anemia can have adverse effects on birth outcomes. Also, low reduces the formation of metabolically active folate.Objectives: We sought to establish baseline prevalence factors associated with folate deficiency insufficiency, among women childbearing age (WCBA) in Belize.Methods: In 2011, a national probability-based survey was completed Belizean nonpregnant WCBA aged 15-49 y. Blood samples for determination hemoglobin, (RBC serum), (plasma) sociodemographic health information were collected from 937 women. RBC serum concentrations measured by microbiologic assay (MBA). status defined based both WHO-recommended radioproteinbinding adjusted MBA.Results: The estimates WCBA, using assay-matched cutoffs, 11.0% (95% CI: 8.6%, 14.0%) 35.1% 31.3%, 39.2%), respectively. By compared substantially higher observed (6.9% absolute difference) (28.9% concentrations. insufficiency 48.9% 44.8%, 53.1%). Prevalence marginal 17.2% 14.2%, 20.6%), 33.2% 29.6%, 37.1%), 22.7% 19.5%, 26.2%), geometric means concentration increased significantly (P-trend < 0.001) who had normal relative deficient.Conclusions: Belize, deficiencies continues be public concern WCBA. Furthermore, co-occurred status, underlining importance providing adequate folic acid intake through approaches such as mandatory food fortification.