Active clinical trials for "Folic Acid Deficiency"

Preoperative anaemia is common in surgery, with a prevalence between 10 and 50 %, and is an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Anaemia is mostly the result of an inadequate erythropoiesis due to iron deficiency, lack of vitamin B12 or folate, and bone marrow diseases. Among the elderly, renal disease and chronic inflammation account for approximately one-third of all anaemia incidences. The aim of this study is to provide detailed data about the prevalence of preoperative deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12 and/or folate and the presence of underlying renal or chronic diseases in patients undergoing major surgery.

The purpose of this research study is to screen for metabolic abnormalities that are maternal risk factors for having a child with autism.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is more widespread in the population than has been assumed so far. Since a deficiency in this vitamin can lead to irreversible neurological damage, early diagnosis is essential. Vitamin B12 is synthesized exclusively in micro-organisms, and in humans it is an essential component in methyl group transfer and cell division. The vitamin is crucially involved in the proliferation, maturation, and regeneration of neural cells. In combination with folic acid, as an enzymatic essential cofactor in the metabolism of homocysteine, vitamin B12 maintains low homocysteine levels. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between religious origin and age, and Vitamin B12 and Folic acid plasma levels in non Jewish population in Western Galilee. The investigators assumption is that the results of the study will contribute to early detection and treatment of Vitamin B12 and Folic acid deficiencies in order to prevent long term complications.

Aim 1: Assess directional signal of effect of fortified salt with folic acid and iodine on blood serum folate levels. It will be accomplished by feasibility pre-test/post-test clinical study by estimating mean and variability of serum blood folate levels effects of folic acid fortified salt. Hypothesis: Fortified salt with folic acid and iodine will increase serum blood folate levels from baseline by month 1. Aim 2: Assess feasibility and acceptability of salt fortified with folic acid and iodine. Feasibility will be measured by 1) subjects' refusal rate of consent by 30 subjects during 6-month enrollment period; 2) method of determining salt consumption (weighting the saltshaker pre and post); 3) completion rates of study protocols from baseline to follow up. Hypothesis 1a: Completion of all blood draw visits will be 90-100%. Acceptability will be measured by 1) completion rate of daily salt logs; 2) consumption of salt by weighting saltshakers; 3) attitude towards taste and color difference. Hypothesis 1b: Completion rate (90-100%) of daily salt logs will range from 90-100% of participants and 2) consumption of salt will range from 90-100% of participants. Dietary surveys will be employed to document dietary habits and estimated daily FA intake in the sample population. Feasibility and acceptability of dietary surveys will be measured by willingness to answer survey questions. Hypothesis 1c: Completion rate of dietary surveys will range 90-100%.

Deficiencies of iron and folic acid during pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes for the fetus, thus supplements are recommended. Adherence to current tablet-based supplements is documented to be poor. Recently a powdered form of micronutrients has been developed which may decrease side-effects and thus improve adherence. However, before testing the efficacy of the supplement as an alternate choice for supplementation during pregnancy, the bioavailability of the iron needs to be determined. The objective of this study is to measure the relative bioavailability of iron and folic acid from a powdered supplement that can be sprinkled on semi-solid foods or beverages versus a traditional tablet supplement in pregnant women.

In a cross-over study the investigators evaluate the effects of natural (Panmol-B-Complex) (Pan [Greek] = all; moles [Latin] = molecules/particles - brand name) versus synthetic vitamin B complexes to identify the bioavailability of distinct vitamins as well as long-term effects. The primary hypothesis for this study: "Natural Vitamin B-complexes are as effective as synthetic Vitamin B-complexes or better." For this reason 30 subjects (18 to 65y; BMI >19 to <29) were recruited for this study. The study population was divided into 2 groups of each 15 subjects in a cross-over trial. Vitamin supplementation consisted of Thiamine (2.93 mg), Riboflavin (3.98 mg), Niacin (29.85 mg), Pantothenic acid (10.95 mg), Pyridoxine (3.38 mg), Biotin (0.108 mg), Folic acid (0.69 mg) and Cobalamin (8.85 µg) per day in both groups. Blood samples are taken at baseline - 1.5h after vitamin supplementation - 4h - 7h - 6 weeks - wash out phase I (2 weeks); start cross-over: baseline - 1.5h after vitamin supplementation - 4h - 7h - 6 weeks - washout phase II (6 weeks). In case of main target criteria Thiamin, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine, Folic acid and Cobalamin were measured in serum as well as total peroxides (µmol/L), peroxidase-activity (U/L), total antioxidant status (mmol/L) and polyphenols (mmol/L).

This study evaluates the effects of folate-rich foods regarding improvement of folate status compared with folic acid supplement. A randomized, parallel intervention trial with two active groups (folate-rich foods or folic acid supplement) and one control group (apple juice - 0 µg/d folate) was executed over 12 weeks.

Folic acid supplementation has been shown previously to be associated with enhanced formation of p-HPPH from phenytoin, a metabolic pathway which is predominantly mediated through the activity of CYP2C9. The metabolism of S warfarin, the more active enantiomer of warfarin, is also mediated predominantly through the activity of CYP2C9. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between folic acid concentration and warfarin pharmacokinetic as well as warfarin dose requirement among patients treated by warfarin. In addition the effect of folic acid supplementation (5 mg/d) for 3 weeks on warfarin pharmacokinetic and warfarin dose requirement will be evaluated in the second part of the study.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of weekly iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation and one-time deworming treatment at the community level in improving hemoglobin levels among adolescent girls in Liberia, West Africa, and to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a targeted nutrition education program in improving nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the same population.

New research suggests that about 1 in 8 children may be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States. This could be due to several reasons which remain unknown. This study invites mothers who have given birth to children in the United States to share their experiences with diet and supplementation during pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to understand the role of a mother's diet, social standing, and supplementation with folate or folic acid may have on her child's future development of autism. Comparisons will be made between mothers of children who have a child with an official ASD diagnosis from a clinician to mothers of children without an ASD diagnosis. Findings from this study can be used to help identify risk factors for ASD risk.