Folate and iron status of South African non-pregnanat rural women of childbearing age, before and after fortification of foods

  • S E P Modjadji University of Limpopo
  • M Alberts University of Limpopo
  • R L Mamabolo North West University
Keywords: fortification of staple foods, folate status, iron status

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of fortification of staple foods on the folate and iron status of women of childbearing age. Design: A prospective cohort study was undertaken. Setting: Dikgale Demographic Surveillance Site, a rural area in the Capricorn district of Limpopo Province. Subjects. Non-pregnant women of childbearing age, 18 - 44 years (N=80). Outcome measures: Serum folate, ferritin, vitamin B12, red blood cell folate and full blood count. Results: The prevalence of low serum folate (<3ng/ml) in the study population was 27.6% before fortification; after fortification, none of the women had low serum folate. Low red cell folate (<164 ng/ml) was observed in 26.4% of subjects before fortification, and in 1.9% of subjects after fortification. The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency (<145 pg/ml) was 6.3% during phase 1 of the study and increased to 11.3% during phase 2. Low haemoglobin levels were present in 7.5% of women before fortification, and in 5% of women after fortification. The percentage of women with low ferritin levels was similar before and after fortification (25%). Conclusion: The study shows a significant improvement in folate status in women of childbearing age approximately 9 months after fortification of maize and wheat foodstuffs in South Africa, whereas no improvement in iron status as measured by serum ferritin was observed.

Author Biographies

S E P Modjadji, University of Limpopo
MSc Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Pathology
M Alberts, University of Limpopo
DSc Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Pathology
R L Mamabolo, North West University
PhD, MPH Department of Nutrition
Published
2008-02-29
How to Cite
Modjadji, S., Alberts, M., & Mamabolo, R. (2008). Folate and iron status of South African non-pregnanat rural women of childbearing age, before and after fortification of foods. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 20(3), 89-95. Retrieved from http://sajcn.co.za/index.php/SAJCN/article/view/220
Section
Original Research