Maternal predictors of RBC folate levels in an urban Canadian population

Abstract

Objective: To assess factors associated with low Red Blood Cell folate (RBCf) levels in an obstetric population in a tertiary centre.

Methods: Cross-sectional study. Three hundred and fifty women completed a questionnaire detailing use of folic acid supplementation, and had their RBCf levels measured. Values ≥ 906 nmol/L were considered optimal. Factors associated with optimal RBCf were assessed, individually and in a logistic regression model.

Results: Median RBCf was 1282 nmol/L. Thirty-five women (10%) had suboptimal levels. Predictors of suboptimal RBCf were non-Caucasian ethnicity, non-consumption of folic acid supplementations, and inadequate health care provider information regarding the benefits of folic acid consumption.

Conclusion: Although, in our population, a high proportion of women achieved optimal levels of RBCf, some women remain at risk due to inadequate folate consumption. Patient and health care provider education regarding folate can still be improved, particularly in the groups identified to be at greater risk.

Keywords: Folic acid; Neural tube defects; Pregnancy; Red Blood Cell folate; Vitamin supplementation.