Global folate status in women of reproductive age: a systematic review with emphasis on methodological issues

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#blood-specimen-collection #female #folic-acid #folic-acid-deficiency #humans

Global folate status in women of reproductive age: a systematic review with emphasis on methodological issues

Rogers et al., 2018 | Ann N Y Acad Sci | Systematic Review

Citation

Rogers Lisa M, Cordero Amy M, ... Bailey Lynn B. Global folate status in women of reproductive age: a systematic review with emphasis on methodological issues. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2018-Nov;1431(1):35-57. doi:10.1111/nyas.13963

Abstract

Inadequate folate status in women of reproductive age (WRA) can lead to adverse health consequences of public health significance, such as megaloblastic anemia (folate deficiency) and an increased risk of neural tube defect (NTD)-affected pregnancies (folate insufficiency). Our review aims to evaluate current data on folate status of WRA. We queried eight databases and the World Health Organization Micronutrients Database, identifying 45 relevant surveys conducted between 2000 and 2014 in 39 countries. Several types of folate assays were used in the analysis of blood folate, and many surveys used folate cutoffs not matched to the assay. To allow better comparisons across surveys, we attempted to account for these differences. The prevalence of folate deficiency was >20% in many countries with lower income economies but was typically <5% in countries with higher income economies. Only 11 surveys reported the prevalence of folate insufficiency, which was >40% in most countries. Overall, folate status data for WRA globally are limited and must be carefully interpreted due to methodological issues. Future surveys would benefit from using the microbiologic assay to assess folate status, along with assay-matched cutoffs to improve monitoring and evaluation of folic acid interventions, thus informing global efforts to prevent NTDs.

Key Findings

Future surveys would benefit from using the microbiologic assay to assess folate status, along with assay-matched cutoffs to improve monitoring and evaluation of folic acid interventions, thus informing global efforts to prevent NTDs.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Blood Specimen Collection
  • Female
  • Folic Acid
  • Folic Acid Deficiency
  • Humans
  • Neural Tube Defects
  • Prevalence
  • Reproduction

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Systematic Review
  • Vertical: folate

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09