葉酸食品摂取からみた血清葉酸濃度との関連性

抄録

It is well known that folic acid intake during pregnancy prevents developing neural tube defect. Folic acids are able to take from various foods such as green and yellow vegetables and supplements. This study investigated the effect of folic acid intake from green and yellow vegetables and supplements on serum folic acid concentration. Study subjects were 12 female students. The subjects were divided into 4 groups, each group was administered folic acid-rich foods; green and yellow vegetables (120 g/day),rice boiled in folic acid containing water, or folic acid supplements (gummies or tablets). Serum folic acid levels measured 30 days after administration of the vegetables or supplements were significantly increased compared with basal levels. Next, we evaluated the effects of long-term intake of green and yellow vegetables. Nine female students were ingested 100 g of the vegetables for 90 days, at least three times a week. Serum folic acid levels were measured before and after ingesting the vegetables. Significant increase in serum folic acid was observed 60 days after ingestion. This study revealed that taking folic acid-rich foods and supplements increased serum folic acid levels. To reduce neural tube defect, it was suggested the importance of education of females about folic acid intake from the time of non-pregnancy.