Hematological studies on iron- and folate-requirements in pregnancy

Hematological changes and serum iron, vitamin B12 and folate levels after administration of iron plus folic acid were com· pared with changes and levels after supplement of iron alone in 100 pregnant women. No hematological benefits by adding folic acid was revealed. It is concluded that folic acid deficiency in pregnant women is mild and routine supplementation of folic acid is not necessary except for proved cases of folate deficiency. As to the reason why folic acid deficiency is so mild and megaloblastic anemia is so rare in Japan, uniformity of dietary habits, i. e. boiled rice as basic food, was discussed.</p

Study on the causes of the anemia in a rural area in north-eastern part of Thailand Ⅱ. Dietary survey of Thai farmers and intakes of iron and folic acid

Dietary survey on 42 families in 7 villages in Khonkaen district was carried out. Though mean calorie intake was sufficient (2296 Cal), protein intake from animal sources was extremely low. This was due to the fact that farmers ate large amount of rice and other dietary items were used only to make the rice more flavorful. Eightynine percent of the total calorie was taken from rice. Mean intake of iron was 7.9mg/person/day. Standard man ratio made it possible to calculate individual iron intakes from the data of family survey. Iron intakes of each group were 5.6mg in 1-3 years, 8.6mg in 4-5 years, 10.3mg in 6-9 years, 11.2mg in 10-12 years, 16.1mg in males over 13 years, 12.5mg in nonpregnant females, 11.2mg in females over 50 years and 17mg in pregnant and lactating women respectively. Folic acid contents of 52 Thai foods were assayed microbiologically using Lactobacillus casei. Calculation of folic acid intake was also performed using the results of folate assay of foods and other data from literatures. Intake of free folate was 217.4μg/person/day and total folate 346.1μg/person/day. In conclusion, iron intake of the farmers in this district was insufficient except in adult males to meet the increased requirements of children and women. Folic acid intake was rather abundant. The results can explain well the results of the blood examination showing prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and rare occurrence of folic acid deficiency in this district

Study on the causes of the anemia in a rural area in north-eastern part of Thailand Ⅰ. Investigations on anemia and parasite infection

A survey on anemia and parasite infection was conducted at Khonkaen district, Thailand. The number totaling about 1000 was examined. Physical examination revealed that hypertension and obesity were extremely rare and also that anemia and symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract were common. Hookworm infection was prevalent (67.5%). Anemia was seen in 31%. Judging from hemoglobin levels, 36.4% of children below 6 years, 35.1% of children 6-14 years, 14.2% of adult males, 36.5% of adult nonpregnant females and 36.4% of pregnant females had anemia respectively. Hypochromia and microcytosis were frequently seen in the blood smears. Eosinophilia was also marked in all age and sex groups. Serum iron levels and % saturation of transferrin were low in high percentage except in adult males. In regard to serum vitamin B(12) and folic acid, low values were scarecely observed in all groups. Megaloblastic anemia was not detected at all. Total serum protein was relatively low (though within normal limits) in children below 6 years. It can be said that the anemia is due to iron deficiency in almost every cases in this district and vitamin B(12) and folic acid do not contribute to the anemia. Protein deficiency may play some role for the anemia of children below 6 years