1
|
Gómez-Bueno S, Vázquez-López MA, García-Escobar I, Cabrera-Sevilla JE, Ortiz Pérez M, Bonillo-Perales A, Lendinez-Molinos F. Status of folate in healthy children in Almeria. Eur J Pediatr 2021; 180:1825-1832. [PMID: 33517500 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-020-03902-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to establish reference values for folic acid in a healthy population of children aged 4-11 years and to examine related epidemiological, dietary and analytical factors. A cross-sectional study of 658 healthy children aged 4-11 years was made. Epidemiological, socioeconomic and dietary variables were analysed, the BMI Z-score was obtained, levels of serum folate and serum vitamin B12 were determined and haematological, iron status and erythropoietic activity parameters were examined. The study data were analysed by non-parametric tests and linear multiple regression. The mean folate value was 8.6 ± 4.6 ng/mL (95% reference interval: 2.8-20 ng/mL). A level < 3 ng/mL (5th percentile) was considered as folate deficiency (4.6% of subjects). No child reported symptoms related to this deficiency. Folate values were significantly lower with age (p < 0.01), low NSE and low parental educational level (p: 0.0001). No relationship was found between folates and the analytical variables. According to multivariate linear regression, the variables significantly associated with serum folate were age, socioeconomic level and vitamin B12.Conclusions: Serum folate levels in healthy school children are described. Age, socioeconomic level and serum vitamin B12 are factors associated with folate status. Specific cut-off values for a paediatric population should be defined. What is Known: • Folic acid is an essential micronutrient for optimal growth and development; its deficit is associated with adverse health effects. • The studies on their status and deficit are not comparable due to a lack of agreement on appropriate indicators and reference values. What is New: • This study reports the levels of serum folate in a large population of healthy schoolchildren, with strict inclusion criteria in a developed country and identifies the associated sociodemographic, dietary and analytical (vitamin B12, iron parameters and erythropoietic activity) factors, avoiding potential confusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gómez-Bueno
- Departament of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario Torrecardenas, Paraje Torrecardenas s/n, 04009, Almería, Spain. .,, Almería, Spain.
| | - Maria A Vázquez-López
- Departament of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario Torrecardenas, Paraje Torrecardenas s/n, 04009, Almería, Spain
| | - Iciar García-Escobar
- Departament of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario Torrecardenas, Paraje Torrecardenas s/n, 04009, Almería, Spain
| | | | - María Ortiz Pérez
- Departament of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario Torrecardenas, Paraje Torrecardenas s/n, 04009, Almería, Spain
| | - Antonio Bonillo-Perales
- Departament of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario Torrecardenas, Paraje Torrecardenas s/n, 04009, Almería, Spain
| | - Francisco Lendinez-Molinos
- Departament of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario Torrecardenas, Paraje Torrecardenas s/n, 04009, Almería, Spain
| |
Collapse
|