Effectiveness Study of Folic Acid Fortified Iodized Salt to Increase Folate Concentrations in Women of Reproductive Age in Zambia, a Non-fortifying Country
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Summary
Question: How effective is fortified iodized salt with folic acid (FISFA) in increasing serum and red blood cell folate in non-lactating, non-pregnant women of reproductive age in the country of Zambia who do not have active food fortification with a folic acid program? Participants will: * Consume salt with folic acid instead of their regular salt for 6 months * Have a blood draw 4 times * Fill out surveys
Description
The objective of this nonrandomized controlled intervention trial is to measure the effectiveness of fortified iodized salt with folic acid (FISFA) on increasing blood folate concentrations as a preventive measure against folate-sensitive neural tube defects (NTDs) in a non-fortifying country of Zambia. The main questions it aims to answer are: Aim 1: Measure the effectiveness of FISFA on increasing serum and red blood cell folate concentrations in women of reproductive age in a non-fortifying country. Aim 2: Assess the risk of neural tube defects by measuring folate insufficiency levels vi…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–45 years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Voluntary participation in the study * Do not intend to get pregnant * Not lactating or pregnant * Live alone or with a partner if they can be compliant and not share the study salt. * Aged between 18 and 45 years Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant or lactating
Interventions
- Dietary SupplementFortified Iodized Salt with Folic Acid (FISFA)
Addition of folic acid to iodized salt for daily consumption to assess folate levels.
Locations (2)
- University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, Alabama
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in ZambiaLusaka