Nutritional factors involved in development of neural tube defects in offspring of women residing in a high risk area

Abstract

AIM: This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of non-pregnant women of childbearing age residing in a rural area of Limpopo Province, South Africa, and the effect of fortification of staple foods on their folate and iron status. The following objectives were carried out:  To assess the socio-demographic status and maternity history of non-pregnant rural women of childbearing age.  To determine the following anthropometric measurements; body weight, height, body mass index, waist and hip circumference, and waist hip ratio of women of childbearing age.  To assess dietary intake of non-pregnant rural women of childbearing age using 24-hour recall and quantitative food frequency questionnaires prior to fortification of foods.  To determine folate status of non-pregnant rural women of childbearing age by levels of serum and red blood cell folate, and assessing vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels before and after fortification of foods.  To determine iron status of non-pregnant rural women of childbearing age by full blood count, serum ferritin, iron, total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation and C–reactive protein before and after fortification of foods.  To determine albumin and liver enzymes (ALP, ALT, AST and GGT) of women of childbearing age before and after fortification.  To assess mycotoxins (i.e. fumonisins) in morogo samples collected randomly among participants from the study area.