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 .
Effects of multivitamin and folic acid supplementation in malnourished children.
OBJECTIVE To study the effect of multivitamin and folic acid supplementation on serum folate level and weight gain . MATERIAL AND METHOD A prospect i ve r and omized controlled study was conducted in malnourished children at the Nutrition Clinic , Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health from February to June 2000 . History taking , weight-height measurement , and blood testing for complete blood count ( CBC ) and serum folate level were done . Patients were r and omly by assigned into 2 groups . The study group was supplemented daily with multivitamins ( MVD ) along with a folic acid tablet while the control group was supplemented daily with MVD only , for 6 weeks . RESULTS Twenty-nine malnourished children were enrolled in the present study . They were r and omly by assigned into 2 groups , 14 children in the study group and 15 children in the control group . There were 11 boys ( 38 % ) and 18 girls ( 62 % ) . Mean age was 36.3 months .  Anemia and low serum folate level were found in 24 per cent and 21 per cent respectively . There was no significant difference in the data of both groups , except that anemia was more common in the study group ( p = 0.018 ) . After 6 weeks of supplementation , increases in weight and serum folate level were significantly higher in the study group , but there was no significant difference in weight increased between both groups . CONCLUSION Folate deficiency may be found in malnourished children . Efficacy of folic acid supplement is good . Folic acid needs to be supplemented in malnourished children
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 .