Serum unmetabolized folic acid in a nationally representative sample of adults ≥ 60 years in the United States, 2001-2002

Regan L. Bailey; James L. Mills; Elizabeth A. Yetley; Jaime J. Gahche; Chrisitne M. Pfeiffer; Johanna T. Dwyer; Kevin W. Dodd; Christopher T. Sempos; Joseph M. Beth; Mary Frances Picciano

doi:10.3402/fnr.v56i0.5616

Serum unmetabolized folic acid in a nationally representative sample of adults ≥ 60 years in the United States, 2001-2002

Regan L. Bailey National Insitutes of Health
James L. Mills National Institutes of Health
Elizabeth A. Yetley National Institutes of Health
Jaime J. Gahche National Center for Health Statistics
Chrisitne M. Pfeiffer Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Johanna T. Dwyer National Institutes of Health
Kevin W. Dodd National Institutes of Health
Christopher T. Sempos National Institutes of Health
Joseph M. Beth National Institutes of Health
Mary Frances Picciano National Institutes of Health

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3402/fnr.v56i0.5616

Keywords: Folic Acid, Folate, NHANES, Folic Acid Fortification,

Abstract

Folic acid is a compound that does not occur naturally in food but is added as a fortificant and dietary supplement. When it is ingested it is converted into forms of reduced folate that are identical to those arising from ingestion of naturally occurring folate in foods; however, some folic acid may appear unmetabolized in the serum (1, 2). Very little is known about its metabolism and biological effects. Folic acid fortification increased dietary intakes of folic acid (3) and blood folate levels in the United States (4). Some (5-9) but not all (10-12) research suggests that high folic acid intakes may promote the growth of pre-existing cancers or malignant lesions.

Keywords: folic acid; folate; NHANES; folic acid fortification

(Published: 2 April 2012)

Citation: Food & Nutrition Research 2012. 56 5616 - DOI: 10.3402/fnr.v56i0.5616

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Published

2012-04-02

How to Cite

Bailey R. L., Mills J. L., Yetley E. A., Gahche J. J., Pfeiffer C. M., Dwyer J. T., Dodd K. W., Sempos C. T., Beth J. M., & Picciano M. F. (2012). Serum unmetabolized folic acid in a nationally representative sample of adults ≥ 60 years in the United States, 2001-2002. Food & Nutrition Research. https://doi.org/10.3402/fnr.v56i0.5616

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Issue

Vol 56 (2012)

Section

Vitamin Supplement

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