Influence of smoking on folate intake and blood folate concentrations in a group of elderly Spanish men.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between smoking habits and folate status in a group of elderly Spanish men.


METHODS
We studied folate intake, serum and erythrocyte folate concentrations, hematological and biochemical data in 72 elderly males (comparing 24 smokers data with 44 nonsmokers ones).


RESULTS
Percentage deficiencies for folate intake, serum and erythrocyte levels were higher in smokers. Serum folate levels were significantly higher in nonsmokers. Smokers had higher mean corpuscular volume than did nonsmokers.


CONCLUSIONS
Smoking could be harmful to the intake and folate status. For smokers who will not give up the habit, improved dietary intake or a folate supplement is advisable.
Ortega
R M
RM
Department of Nutrition, University Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
Lopez-Sobaler
A M
AM
Gonzalez-Gross
M M
MM
Redondo
R M
RM
Marzana
I
I
Zamora
M J
MJ
Andres
P
P
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004909:Erythrocyte Indices; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood*; D005494:Folic Acid Deficiency / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D013030:Spain
D005492:Folic Acid