Author and graduation date: Janet L. CARRUTHERS, October, 2000

Committee members: Audrey A. Spindler (Chair), Mark Kern, P. J. Quintana

Thesis title: Dietary and Red Blood Cell Folate in Women from Urban Industrial Areas of Baja California Mexico

The rate of neural tube birth defects (NTDs) among mothers in Baja California, Mexico is estimated to be twice that of US women. The role of dietary folate in reducing the risk of NTDs is well documented, but little is known about the dietary intake and nutritional status of women from northern Mexico. The objectives of this study were to collect data on the folate status and dietary intake of Mexican women of childbearing age. Dietary data were obtained by the 24-hour dietary recall method from women working in assembly factories in Tijuana (n = 53) and Ensenada (n = 46), Baja California. Blood samples were drawn to determine RBC folate, serum vitamin B12, and standard iron-status measures. The mean dietary intake of folic acid was 301±220 ug/d, while the mean RBC folate level was 347±116 ng/mL. No independent predictors of RBC folate were detected. The subjects' mean energy intakes were 4599±2128 kJ/d (Ensenada) and 5841±2392 kJ/d (Tijuana). Energy intake was related to the intake of folate (p <0.001, r = 0.61), protein (p <0.001, r = 0.723), vitamin B6 (p <0.001, r = 0.56), and vitamin C (p = 0.001, r = 0.319). No significant relationship between the intake of folate and RBC folate levels existed in the women of this study. Mean folate intake fell below the current recommendation, and the population is at risk of several nutrient deficiencies as a result of low energy intake. Adequate energy intake and folate supplements should be urged for all women of childbearing age in the northern Baja California.

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