Int J Vitam Nutr Res
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Int J Vitam Nutr Res · Jan 1993
The effects of periconceptional folic acid and vitamin supplementation on maternal folate levels and on neurulating hamster embryos in vivo.
We studied the effects of periconceptional oral supplementation of folic acid and vitamins on the maternal red blood cell (RBC) folate level of golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus, Waterhouse). The effects of folate deficiency and supplementation on the process of neurulation and the incidence of resorptions were evaluated. Groups of at least eleven mature virgin female hamsters were placed on one of six specific regimens which started two weeks prior to mating and continued until sacrifice on day nine of pregnancy. ⋯ Folic acid supplementation alone increased the RBC folate level significantly more than combined supplementation with multivitamins (p < 0.001). The data indicate that oral supplementation with folic acid and/or multivitamins produce adequate maternal RBC folate levels. An inadequate maternal folate intake can affect the growth of neurulating embryos even if the maternal RBC folate levels are still sufficient.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Int J Vitam Nutr Res · Jan 1989
Relationship between serum ferritin, erythrocyte protoporphyrin and transferrin saturation in Mauritanian free living children.
Serum ferritin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and erythrocyte protoporphyrin were measured in a group of 69 children (6.4 +/- 3.6 years) living in a rural area of Mauritania. The predictive value of low serum ferritin was calculated for each iron parameter. ⋯ Nearly 35% of children had biochemical evidence of iron deficiency, i.e. 2 abnormal independent iron parameters or more, including serum ferritin of less than 12 micrograms/l. Nearly 32% had probable iron deficiency, i.e. 2 abnormal independent iron parameters, with a serum ferritin value between 13 and 50 micrograms/l.
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Int J Vitam Nutr Res · Jan 1984
Comparative StudyMaternal diet and mental retardation in southern Georgia, USA.
The diet of each of 250 mothers was correlated with the I. Q. (intelligence quotient) of her child. When the I. ⋯ Q. of 70, all mothers consumed a similar diet--one with a smaller amount and variety of fruits and vegetables, but larger amounts of yams, greens, corn, rice and dry legumes. This diet was uniquely deficient in none of the common nutrients. It seems more possible, therefore, that the correlation with diet could be due to the presence of a toxicant, such as aflatoxin.