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 .
Folate nutrition and growth in infancy.
The effect of suboptimal folate nutrtion on the growing infant was studied in a population of infants fed a diet based on boiled , pasteurised cows ' milk . One group of infants received a daily supplement of 1 mg folic acid from age 2 months , while the other group received a placebo . The infants were seen at bimonthly intervals . In the supplemented group the red cell folate level had increased to twice its pretreatment value by 4 months , and remained at this high level to the end of the first year . Hb concentration and incidence of anaemia were similar in both groups . The incidence of infection in the two groups did not differ . Weights and lengths attained at 6 months , and the rate of gain from 2 to 6 months were higher in infants whose folate levels were above the median value than in those below it . In the second half of the first year the differences between the two groups were no longer evident
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 .