Do racial and ethnic differences in serum folate values exist after food fortification with folic acid?
Lawrence JM; Watkins ML; Chiu V; Erickson JD; Petitti DB Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, USA. OBJECTIVE: The United States food supply has been fortified with folic acid since 1998. Information about folate levels early in pregnancy before the fortification is limited. This study examined the associations between serum folate at first prenatal visit and maternal race/ethnicity, age, vitamin use, and body mass index. STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional study assessed serum folate levels among 9421 women who entered prenatal care in 1999 and 2000 in southern California. Information on race/ethnicity, vitamin use, weight, height, and age was obtained from surveys and birth certificates.
