Clinic-based Assessment of Folate Levels for Women of Reproductive Age, as an Impact Indicator for a National Food Fortification Program in Tanzania.
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Date
2015
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Abstract
Objectives: To determine prevalence of folate deficiency and effectiveness of the National Food
Fortification Program on folate levels among women of reproductive age in Tanzania.
Methods: A Prospective cohort study comparing participants’ folate levels prior and gradually upon
the roll-out and scale-up of the national food fortification program. A total of 636 women of
reproductive age (18-49 years) enrolled and undergoing follow-up across 10 primary health
facilities in Dar Es Salaam. Blood samples, food frequency, and fortified food consumption data
collected at baseline (prior the program roll out), 6, 9 and 12 months. Serum folate assays
performed using e411Cobas machine and results merged with food frequency and intake data.
Results: We present baseline and follow-up data, estimating pre & fortification era folate levels for
women of reproductive age in Tanzania. More than 25% of women have pre-fortification intake
<80% their RDA for folate (mean 446, median 416, IQR ranging between 313-551micrograms).
Wheat consumption is high with median portion intake of wheat-carbohydrates approximating 1 portion/day. demographics, complementing serum folate assays results will be presented.
Conclusions: Low folate intake and high wheat consumption suggest potential for mandatory
folate fortification of wheat in Tanzania.
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Noor Ramadhani Abdallah, Mshamu Salum, Ulenga Nzovu, Hertzmark Ellen, Fawzi Wafaie, Benjamin Margaret, Kaishozi George, Tatala Simon, Dhillon Christina Nyhus, Mwiru Ramadhani Gunaratna…. Clinic-based Assessment of Folate Levels for Women of Reproductive Age, as an Impact Indicator for a National Food Fortification Program in Tanzania. European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety. 2015 Special issue; 5(5): 987-988.