Dosage Effects of Folic Acid on Blood Folates of Honduran Women

Dosage Effects of Folic Acid on Blood Folates of Honduran Women

CDC staff at the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities have been working closely with a Honduras-based organization, Project Healthy Children (PNS) and the Ministry of Health, on a folic acid supplementation study among female maquila workers. Participants are divided into two groups. One group receives a 1.0 milligram pill daily while the other group receives a 5.0 milligram pill weekly. The aim of this study is to assess serum blood folate levels measured at baseline, midpoint, and endpoint of the study. Hypothesis: Folic acid (5mg)given once weekly is as effective as folic acid (1mg)given daily in raising blood folate levels.

Inclusion Criteria:

minimum employment in factory 6 mths

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Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnant
• currently consuming folic acid
• prior birth-defect affected pregnancy
• chronic disease
• currently taking folic acid antagonist