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Obesity affects short-term folate pharmacokinetics in women of childbearing age

International Journal of Obesity volume 37, pages 1608–1610 (2013)Cite this article

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Abstract

Maternal folate status and body mass index (BMI) are independent risk factors for neural tube defects (NTD). Population-based studies have identified an inverse association between serum folate and BMI, after adjusting for intake. The objective of this intervention study was to compare the relationship between BMI and the short-term pharmacokinetic response to an oral dose of folic acid. Healthy obese (BMI ⩾30.0 kg m−2; n=16) and normal-weight (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg m−2; n=16) women of childbearing age (18–35 years) were administered a single oral dose of folic acid (400 μg). Blood samples were collected over a 10-h period to evaluate the serum folate response. Fasting baseline serum folate was lower in the obese group (P=0.005); in contrast, red blood cell folate was higher (P=0.05). Area-under-the-curve for the absorption phase (0–3 h) and peak serum folate concentrations were lower in obese versus normal-weight women (P<0.005). Overall serum folate response (0–10 h) was lower in obese versus normal-weight women (repeated-measures ANOVA, P=0.001). Data suggest body distribution of folate is significantly affected by obesity, and, should pregnancy occur, may reduce the amount of folate available to the developing embryo. These findings provide additional support for a BMI-adjusted folic acid intake recommendation for NTD risk reduction.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by Georgia Experimental Agricultural Station, HATCH #GEO00706 and #GEO00707, and by the University of Georgia.

Author contributions

Study concept and design: da Silva, Hausman, Bailey; acquisition of data: da Silva, Hausman, Kauwell, Sokolow, Bailey; analysis and interpretation of data: da Silva, Hausman, Kauwell, Sokolow, Tackett, Rathbun, Bailey; drafting of the manuscript: da Silva, Hausman, Bailey; critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: da Silva, Hausman, Kauwell, Sokolow, Tackett, Rathbun, Bailey; statistical analysis: da Silva, Rathbun; obtained funding: Bailey.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

    V R da Silva, D B Hausman & L B Bailey

  2. Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

    G P A Kauwell & A Sokolow

  3. Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

    R L Tackett

  4. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

    S L Rathbun

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  1. V R da Silva
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  2. D B Hausman
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  3. G P A Kauwell
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  4. A Sokolow
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  5. R L Tackett
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  6. S L Rathbun
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  7. L B Bailey
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Correspondence to L B Bailey.

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da Silva, V., Hausman, D., Kauwell, G. et al. Obesity affects short-term folate pharmacokinetics in women of childbearing age. Int J Obes 37, 1608–1610 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2013.41

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2013.41

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