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Anales Venezolanos de Nutrición
versión impresa ISSN 0798-0752
Resumen
GARCIA-CASAL, Maria Nieves et al. Folic acid and vitamin B12 in children, adolescents and pregnant women in Venezuela. An Venez Nutr [online]. 2005, vol.18, n.2, pp.145-154. ISSN 0798-0752.
Due to the consequences of folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies in the appropriate development and functioning of the individual, the objective of this study was to determine the magnitude of the deficiencies of folic acid and vitamin B12 in vulnerable groups from labor and poor socioeconomic strata of the Venezuelan population. A total of 5,652 serum samples were processed by radio immunoassay, to determine folic acid and vitamin B12 concentrations. The study involved 3 surveys performed during 2001-2003 and included infants, children, adolescents and pregnant women from labor and poor socioeconomic strata of the population. Prevalence of folic acid deficiency was between 27.5 and 81.79% for all groups evaluated. Vitamin B12 deficiency was 11.4% nationwide, but there was also a similar prevalence of high serum levels. Prevalence of folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies in pregnant women was 36.32 and 61.34%, respectively. There is a high prevalence of folic acid deficiency, especially for women of reproductive age, pregnant adolescents and for the whole population studied in Vargas State. This situation requires immediate intervention as supplementation or food fortification programs.
Palabras clave : folic acid deficiency; vitamin B12 deficiency; infants; children; adolescents; pregnant women; Venezuela.