The study aim was to assess folate/folic acid intake and folate status of non‐supplement consuming young men and women (18–49 y), and to examine the relative contribution of food sources to folate/folic acid intake. Folate intake and status were determined for men (n = 140) and women (n = 162). Daily folate/folic acid intake was estimated by a DHQ. Mean serum and RBC folate for males (39.9 nmol/L; 810 nmol/L, respectively) did not differ (P>0.2) from that of females (41.7 nmol/L; 767 nmol/L). Plasma homocysteine was higher (P<0.0001) for males (8.0 μmol) than females (6.6 μmol/L). Total folate intake for males and females (652 and 512 μg/d DFE, respectively) exceeded the RDA (400 μg/d DFE). Average folic acid intake for females was 128 μg/d; only 3% consumed ≥400 μg/d. The largest contributors of folic acid for males and females were enriched cereal‐grain products (41.1%; 41.9%, respectively), fortified RTE cereals and bars (29.3%; 36.0%), and combination foods that included “enriched” ingredients (16.0%; 13.2%). Food categories that provided the most naturally occurring food folate for males and females were vegetables (31.6%; 38.4%, respectively) and legumes and nuts (16.2%; 14.4%). Dietary folic acid from enriched grain products and RTE cereals positively affected total folate intake and status of males and females; however, folic acid intake for females was less than that recommended for NTD risk reduction.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.