Folate and Vitamin B12 Status of a Rural Population in the Upper Manya Krobo District of Ghana

Abstract

Background: Folate is a B vitamin found in green vegetables and fortified breakfast cereals. It plays a crucial role in the prevention of human diseases including heart disease, cancer, anaemia (megaloblastic), dementia in adults as well as neonatal defects. Despite the numerous benefits of folate, only sparse information exist on the folate status of Ghanaians. There is therefore the need to assess the folate status of different populations in different regions of the country, in order to determine possible health risk. Aim: The study sought to assess the folate status of a rural adult population in Asesewa, Upper Manya Krobo Distruict of Ghana. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design and a total number of 100 participants in Asesewa were recruited. In collecting the data a structured questionnaire was administered to obtain information on socio-demographic parameters. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a 3-day 24-hour recall were used to collect dietary data. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken. Fasting blood samples (5 ml) were collected for serum folate and vitamin B12 and analysed using ELISA kits. Results: Out of the 100 who were recruited and completed all other proceedings, 63 participants were available for the blood samples collection. The results showed a high prevalence (71%) of folate deficiency in the study population with no deficiencies in vitamin B12. Significant differences were found in energy, carbohydrate, protein, dietary fibre, folate and vitamin C (p≤0.05) among gender. No associations were found between dietary folate and serum folate or serum vitamin B12. Age was the predictor of serum folate (p=0.05) in the population. Conclusion: Folate deficiency was high in this population. The main predictor of folate in this population was age. Dietary folate was not associated with serum folate. There is a need for nutrition intervention to help improve folate status in this population.