We conclude that both serum and erythrocyte folate values reflect folate intake ; however , serum folate reacts more rapidly to folate intake than erythrocyte folate .
As to health outcomes , we found no evidence indicating that additional intake of folate can influence haematological parameters in non-anaemic paediatric patients .
We were unable to find evidence of a favourable effect of folate supplementation on the growth of infants .
However , the limited data available suggest that supplementing the diet of low-birth-weight infants with folic acid may moderate the rapid fall of serum and red cell folate in the first months of life
The aim of this systematic review was to collect all available r and omized controlled trials on the effect of folate supplementation on folate status and health outcomes within the paediatric age group .
The effects of antimalarials and folate supplements on haematological indices and red cell folate levels in Gambian children.
Haematological indices and red cell folate levels ( RCF ) were measured during two annual surveys in a group of Gambian children aged 3 months-5 years who were participating in a trial of malaria chemoprophylaxis with Maloprim or chlorproguanil given with or without folate supplements . Chlorproguanil was given in an adult dose of 20 mg , Maloprim as one quarter or one half of the adult dose of 25 mg pyrimethamine and 100 mg dapsone . Antimalarials and folate supplements were given fortnightly . About 20 % of children had low RCF levels ( less than 100 ng/ml ) . Among children who did not receive supplementation with folate there were no significant differences in mean RCF levels between children who received Maloprim , chlorproguanil or placebo . Among children who received folate supplements , the mean RCF was significantly lower among those receiving chlorproguanil than among the controls . Mean RCF values were similar in children who received Maloprim or placebo . If chlorproguanil is used for malaria chemoprophylaxis in young children an age-related dose should be used
We conclude that both serum and erythrocyte folate values reflect folate intake ; however , serum folate reacts more rapidly to folate intake than erythrocyte folate .
As to health outcomes , we found no evidence indicating that additional intake of folate can influence haematological parameters in non-anaemic paediatric patients .
We were unable to find evidence of a favourable effect of folate supplementation on the growth of infants .
However , the limited data available suggest that supplementing the diet of low-birth-weight infants with folic acid may moderate the rapid fall of serum and red cell folate in the first months of life
The aim of this systematic review was to collect all available r and omized controlled trials on the effect of folate supplementation on folate status and health outcomes within the paediatric age group .