Consumption of dietary folate estimates and its implication for reproductive outcome among women of reproductive age in Kersa: cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background Dietary folate inadequacy is one the most common micronutrient deficiencies that cause neural tube defect (NTD) among infants in Sub-Saharan African countries. This study aims to determine the dietary intake of folate among women of reproductive age (WRA) of Kersa, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study took place among voluntary women that were selected from 1140 random households. Using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire, participant’s weekly dietary intake history of Ethiopian foods and dietary folate intake was worked out. Statistical analysis was done at a 95% confidence interval. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with dietary folate consumption. Result The estimated median usual intake of folate was 170 μg/d (IQR: 118.3; 252.2) and about 33% of WRA had low folate intake and 73.9% were at risk for folate inadequacy. From the reported food groups, Beans and Peas, Starchy staples, and Vitamin-A rich dark-green leafy vegetables were the top three ranked foods that contributed much of the dietary folate. The following conditions were statistically related to dietary folate inadequacy; women’s age, being in poor wealth index, low dietary diversity, having seasonal employment, and reliance on market food sources. Conclusions We found that women’s dietary intake of folate in Kersa is very low and cannot protect their offspring from the risk of having NTD. They could also potentially be predisposed to poor health outcomes. Diversifying and fortification of Ethiopian wheats and salts could decrease the burden of folate deficiency in the country.

The prevalence and risk factors associated with Iron, vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies in pregnant women: A cross-sectional study in Mbeya, Tanzania

“…We also found that about a quarter of the pregnant women in Mbeya region of Tanzania had serum folate levels below 3nmol/L, which revealed that the prevalence of folate deficiency is among the leading nutritional problems of public health concern in Tanzania. The present study, as was demonstrated in other studies, has managed to show pregnant women who do not take iron and folic acid supplementation that are not employed and hence have lower socioeconomic status, and those who are on restricted diets especially consumption of edible vegetable oil are at the risk of folate deficiency [38][39][40][41][42]. Studies have shown that during pregnancy, the folate needs to be increased to maintain the requirement of the mother, the fetus, and placenta in the synthesis of protein, DNA, and RNA [43,44].…”

Co-occurrence of iron, folate, and vitamin A deficiency among pregnant women in eastern Ethiopia: a community-based study

“…Micro-nutrient nutrient intakes are often low among women in sub Saharan Africa [41], including Ethiopia [42] because access to micronutrient-rich foods and fortified foods is limited, and these foods are expensive, locally unavailable, or unacceptable for cultural or religious reasons. Moreover, the reason for the higher prevalence could result of poor quality diets and amplified physiological requirements, which are intensified by inadequate health systems, poverty and inequities, and by socio-cultural aspects (early marriage, and traditional food habits) [43].…”

Association between dietary protein intake, diet quality and diversity, and obesity among women of reproductive age in Kersa, Ethiopia

“…As part of a larger study involving 1,200 households with women of reproductive age (15–49 years old) ( 32 ), only 897 women were included in this particular study. This is because 303 women were excluded from the analysis based on their pregnancy status (pregnant).…”