title: Effect of folic acid supplementation on plasma zinc concentrations of young women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Women of reproductive age are advised to consume supplements or fortified foods containing at least 400 microg/d folic acid for the prevention of neural tubes defects. Concerns exist about the adverse effects of folic acid on zinc status.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-eight women (18 to 49 y) were assigned for 12-wk to receive either a placebo or a 400 microg/d folic acid supplement.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At 12-wk mean (95% CI) red cell folate increased by 431 (350-511) nmol/L in the supplemented group relative to placebo (P < 0.001) but there was no change in plasma zinc in either group (P = 0.213).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Folic acid supplementation does not reduce plasma zinc concentrations in women of childbearing age.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand. tim.green@stonebow.otago.ac.nz
authors.forename: Timothy J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: C Murray
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Skeaff
authors.forename: Susan J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Whiting
authors.forename: Rosalind S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Gibson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos; D015032:Zinc / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D010919:Placebos; D005492:Folic Acid; D015032:Zinc