DIETARY AND SERUM FOLATE - THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE OUTCOME OF PREGNANCY

We examined the influence of folate intake from diet and supplements b y 28 wk of gestation and third trimester circulating concentrations of serum folate on the outcome of pregnancy in women from Camden, NJ. Me an daily folate intake by week 28 included both dietary and supplement al folate obtained prospectively in 832 women. Circulating concentrati ons of serum folate as well as serum vitamin B-12 were assayed at 28 w k of gestation (+/- 2 wk) by radioimmunoassay. The outcomes of interes t included preterm delivery (< 37 wk) and infants with low birth weigh t (< 2500 g). Mean folate intake was significantly correlated with cir culating concentrations of serum folate (r = 0.17, P < 0.001). Women w ith a low mean daily folate intake (less than or equal to 240 mu g/d) had an approximately twofold greater risk of preterm delivery and infa nt low birth weight after maternal characteristics, energy intake, and other correlated nutrients were controlled for. Lower concentrations of serum folate at week 28 were also associated with a greater risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight.