Background and objectives: Folate deficiency during the periconceptional period is related to the occurrence and recurrence of neural tube defects. The aim of the study was to assess whether the administration of folic acid and other vitamins and minerals as a fortified dairy product (400 microg per day of folic acid) improves the folate status in women of reproductive age.
Design and methods: Plasma and red blood cell folate, plasma vitamin E, B12, total plasma homocysteine, plasma lipid profile, and serum ferritin and transferrin levels were investigated in 31 healthy nonpregnant women receiving 500 mL/day of the fortified dairy product for eight weeks.
Results: The women showed a significant increase in plasma levels of folate and vitamin B12 concentrations after four and eight weeks of supplementation. Moreover, we observed an increase in red blood cell folate concentration during the period of the study. Simultaneously, total plasma homocysteine levels decreased significantly during the intervention period.
Conclusions: The regular consumption of a folic acid and other vitamins (mainly vitamins B6 and B12) and minerals in a fortified dairy product improves folate status and reduces total plasma homocysteine concentration in healthy women of childbearing age.