title: Recommendations for folate intake in women: implications for public health strategies.
abstract: Folate deficiency has been associated with anemia and other adverse outcomes in pregnancy such as neural tube defects. The current recommendations for prevention of such outcomes are difficult to achieve through diet only, and folic acid supplementation and food fortification are feasible public health strategies. However, it is necessary to determine the usual diet and supplement use among women of reproductive age, including an accurate assessment of other dietary micronutrients. In addition to the beneficial effects observed in randomized clinical trials, health risks to the population have also been widely evaluated and discussed in the scientific community: for a minority to benefit from fortification programs, many are exposed to high folic acid intake levels.
authors.affiliation: Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil.
authors.forename: Lana Carneiro
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Almeida
authors.forename: Marly Augusto
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Cardoso
mesh_terms: D000740:Anemia / Q000517:prevention & control; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000592:standards*; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000517:prevention & control; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011247:Pregnancy; D011634:Public Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*
chemical_list: D005492:Folic Acid