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AuthorIsmail, Shrooq
AuthorEljazzar, Sereen
AuthorGanji, Vijay
Available date2023-04-12T05:39:02Z
Publication Date2023-04-11
Publication NameFoods
Identifierhttp://dx.doi.org/10.3390/foods12081612
CitationIsmail, S.; Eljazzar, S.; Ganji, V. Intended and Unintended Benefits of Folic Acid Fortification—A Narrative Review. Foods 2023, 12, 1612. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12081612
URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10576/41838
AbstractInadequate folate intake during pregnancy is the leading cause of the development of neural tube defects (NTDs) in newborns. For this reason, mandatory fortification of folic acid, a synthetic, easily bioavailable form, in processed cereals and cereal products has been implemented in the US since 1 January 1998 to reduce the risk of NTD in newborn children. This report aimed to review the literature related to the impact of mandated folic acid fortification on the intended and unintended benefits to health. Potential adverse effects were also discussed. We searched Pubmed, Google Scholar, Embase, SCOPUS, and Cochrane databases for reports. About 60 reports published between January 1998 and December 2022 were reviewed, summarized, and served as background for this review. The intended benefit was decreased prevalence of NTDs, while unintended benefits were reduction in anemia, blood serum homocysteine, and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Potential issues with folic acid fortification are the presence of unmetabolized folic acid in circulation, increased risk of cancer, and the masking of vitamin B-12 deficiency. From a health perspective, it is important to monitor the impact of folic acid fortification periodically.
Languageen
PublisherMDPI
Subjectanemia
folic acid
folic acid fortification
homocysteine
cardiovascular diseases
USA
TitleIntended and Unintended Benefits of Folic Acid Fortification—A Narrative Review
TypeArticle
Issue Number8
Volume Number12
ESSN2304-8158
dc.accessType Open Access


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