Comparative analysis of plasma folate, homocysteine and erythrocyte folate levels in pregnant women after folic acid administration during different pregnancies
Abstract
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 with 416 pregnant women, divided into two groups: an observation group (n=210) who consistently took folic acid throughout pregnancy, and a control group (n=206) who only supplemented during early pregnancy. Key outcomes included plasma folate, HCY, and FOA levels, as well as pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes. Results: Plasma folate levels were significantly higher in the observation group (10.42±2.96 ng/mL) compared to the control group (7.51±1.58 ng/mL, P<0.001). HCY levels were lower in the observation group (6.54±1.51 mmol/L) versus the control group (10.58±1.27 mmol/L, P<0.001). FOA levels were also higher in the observation group (486.42±105.29 ng/mL) compared to the control (430.20±75.12 ng/mL, P<0.001). The observation group had reduced rates of cesarean section (26.19% vs. 36.41%, P=0.025), anemia (3.81% vs. 8.74%, P=0.038), and hypertension during pregnancy (5.24% vs. 11.65%, P=0.018). Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between plasma folate and FOA (r=0.116, P<0.05) and negative correlations between plasma folate and HCY (r=-0.411, P<0.05) and between FOA and HCY (r=-0.286, P<0.05). The observation group had significantly lower FBG and P2BG levels and a reduced…
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