Folate status in pregnancy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Folate status in pregnant women: current situation on the island of Ireland
IRAS ID
206144
Contact name
Jayne Woodside
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen's University Belfast
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
A recent study in Ireland has reported that the incidence of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) has increased in the Republic of Ireland. This is a serious concern because there is epidemiological evidence that NTDs are one of the few serious congenital malformations that are potentially preventable by peri-conceptional folic acid supplementation. The incidence of NTDs varies by geographic region, highlighting the need to address the problem in different areas. Existing evidence indicates that NTDs are associated with suboptimal maternal folate status (Daly et al, 1995). In Ireland, women of childbearing age are advised to take folic acid (FA) supplements before getting pregnancy and have a diet rich in folate. A pilot study in the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital found that 54% of women in the first trimester (n=65) had a dietary folate intake below the estimated average requirement and that intakes were lower than those reported in previous studies (Cawley et al, 2014). While different aspects of FA’s role in NTDs have been well researched in Ireland, there are no contemporary studies that have measured maternal folate in early pregnancy in a cohort of women where dietary intake of folates and compliance with peri-conceptional FA supplementation have been well characterised. We aim to do this as one centre in a cross Ireland study. Our study will examine folate nutrition status (intake and blood measurement, as well as folic acid supplement use) of 110 pregnant women living in NI.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0327
Date of REC Opinion
28 Apr 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion