Grant: Operating Grant

Proper nutrition during pregnancy affects the health of both mother and child. A diet low in folate (a B vitamin) during early pregnancy may lead to birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. Folic acid is the man-made form of folate. Folic acid supplements of 0.4 milligrams per day are recommended for women of childbearing age in Canada. Women can also eat folate-rich foods, such as fortified grain products, to get enough folic acid. A higher dose folic acid supplement of 5 milligrams per day is recommended for women at risk for birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, for example, women who are obese or who have a family history of brain and spinal cord defects. Some health professionals argue that most women of childbearing age need higher doses of folic acid, even if they do not have risk factors. However, it is not yet known if these higher doses are necessary. Research is needed to look at the how much folate is in the blood of Canadian women, or their folate status, and their intake of folate-rich foods and supplements. For the first time, a national survey will include measurements of the folate status of Canadian women. Statistics Canada's Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) collected health data from 5000 Canadians, aged 6 to 79 years, from March 2007 to February 2009. About 1000 of these were women of childbearing age. This research will look at the CHMS data to better understand the factors surrounding folate recommendations, and whether Canadian women are getting as much folate as they need. Canadian women's intake of folic acid supplements, health conditions and measures of red blood cell folate will be examined. CHMS data will be compared to similar American data. The results of this research will be used to update nutrition policies and better the health of women and children.