Blood Folate and Homocysteine Levels Following Administration of Folic Acid According to Different Daily Dosing Schedules:a Simulation of Food Fortification

Blood Folate and Homocysteine Levels Following Administration of Folic Acid According to Different Daily Dosing Schedules:a Simulation of Food Fortification

The aim of this study is to examine whether the same total daily dosage of folic acid, when taken as a single daily dose or as multiple divided doses throughout the day, results in different blood folate and homocysteine levels at the conclusion of the study. Further, a comparison of blood folate and homocysteine levels among women taking daily low-dosage (100mcg) and standard- dosage (400mcg) folic acid with those of women taking daily or weekly high-dosage (4000mcg) folic acid will be conducted.

Inclusion Criteria:

-women who have delivered a baby two to four years ago, whose child is still alive, who are not breast-feeding, who are not pregnant or planning to become pregnant within the next 9 months following enrollment, who are using an IUD for contraception, and who have not taken vitamin supplements during the past 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

-women who have not delivered a baby two to four years ago, whose child is deceased, who are breast-feeding, who are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant within the next 9 months following enrollment, who are not using an IUD for contraception, and who have taken vitamin supplements during the past 3 months