Folic acid status in normal infants during the first year of life.

Abstract

This study was carried out in normal infants living in London in order (a) to obtain normal figures for parameters related to folic acid metabolism in this age-group, and (b) to see if by adult criteria there was any evidence in such infants of folic acid deficiency. Material and Methods Twenty-four normal full-term infants born in St Thomas ' hospital were followed during the first year of life. All but 5 were firstbom. Selection of cases was mainly on the basis of the mother being able and willing to co-operate. 3 mothers were patients attending regularly in other departments ofthe hospital and most of the others lived within easy walking distance. In some cases tests were carried out at home. The exact nature