Question: How effective is folic acid-fortified iodized salt in increasing serum folate concentrations among non-pregnant and non-lactating women of reproductive age? Hypothesis: Folic acid-fortified iodized salt can increase serum folate levels and serve as a policy consideration in salt fortification with both iodine and folic acid to reduce serious and fatal birth defects.
Salt is an ideal vehicle for fortification because its universal consumption and often centrally processed with established distribution channels. Over 70% of households globally have access to iodized salt. Considering the success of salt iodization, it is logical to use the existing infrastructure to provide folic acid through this dietary mechanism. AIM:To assess increase in blood folate concentrations among women of reproductive age after they consume folic acid-fortified iodized salt. OBJECTIVES : 1. To examine the effect of consumption of salt fortified with folic acid on serum/plasma folate concentrations among women of reproductive age. 2. To estimate the raise in serum iron, B12 and folate levels after 3 months of study salt consumption.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
80
addition of folic acid to iodized salt to be consumed daily and assess rise in serum folate levels.
Pediatric Neurosurgery
Orlando, Florida, United States
Measure changes in median serum folate levels between baseline and study endpoint
evaluate blood levels pre- and post-intake of study salt (fortified with folic acid)
Time frame: 2-6 months
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