Comparative analysis of plasma folate, homocysteine and erythrocyte folate levels in pregnant women after folic acid administration during different pregnancies
Authors: Jin Xinglin , Meng Mei , Wang Xi 
Published: November 2024

Background: To examine and evaluate the alterations in plasma folate, homocysteine (HCY), and erythrocyte folate (FOA) concentrations among expectant mothers following folic acid supplementation in distinct pregnancies.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 416 pregnant women admitted to our hospital between October 2020 and October 2023. These women were selected as the subjects of observation and divided into two groups based on their folic acid intake duration: an observation group (n=210) who consumed folic acid before and during early pregnancy, and continued taking it throughout mid and late pregnancy (≥ 20 days per month), and a control group (n=206) who took folic acid before and during early pregnancy but did not continue taking it in mid and late pregnancy (≥ 20 days per month). The prenatal levels of folate, HCY, and FOA were compared among the different groups of pregnant women. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between changes in folate, HCY, and FOA levels in pregnant women. Moreover, the fasting blood glucose (FBG) and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (P2BG) levels were compared between the two groups of pregnant women. The incidence of gestational diabetes (GDM), gestational hypertension (HIP), and gestational anemia were also compared. Additionally, comparisons were made regarding the changes in delivery mode, newborn height, weight, head circumference, and chest circumference between the two groups of pregnant women.
Results: The control group exhibited significantly lower levels of plasma folate and FOA compared to the observation group, while the levels of HCY were significantly higher in the control group than in the observation group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Results from Pearson correlation analysis indicated a significant positive correlation between plasma folate and FOA (r=0.116, P<0.05), a significant negative correlation between plasma folate and HCY (r=-0.411, P<0.05), and a significant negative correlation between plasma FOA and HCY (r=-0.286, P<0.05). The levels of FBG and P2BG during pregnancy were found to be significantly lower in the observation group compared to the control group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Furthermore, the incidence of gestational anemia and HIP was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). The occurrence of cesarean section was significantly lower in the observation group compared to the control group. The newborns in both groups exhibited normal height, weight, head circumference, and chest circumference. Notably, the newborns in the observation group had significantly higher values for height, weight, head circumference, and chest circumference compared to those in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05).
Conclusion: By consuming folic acid before and during early pregnancy, and consistently throughout mid and late pregnancy, it is possible to increase the levels of folic acid and FOA in pregnant women's bodies. This, in turn, facilitates rapid foetal development, enhances the nutritional status of newborns, and decreases the likelihood of cesarean section. Additionally, early supplementation of folic acid can effectively reduce the occurrence of pregnancy-related complications, thereby improving the prognosis for both mothers and infants.