Folate Status of Women and Children in Africa – Current Situation and Improvement Strategies

Abstract

This work reviewed the maternal and child folate status and the strategies used to tackle health disorders related to folate deficiencies in Africa. Published surveys conducted between 2005 and 2018 were considered. Criteria for establishing folate deficiency are variable (folate intake or serum folate concentrations). Folate deficiencies were frequent among the 11 countries with available data, prevalence of folate adequacy was very low and coverage of strategies used to fight deficiencies is limited. To overcome folate deficiencies, fortification of staple foods is an option, but finding ways to make new folate-rich food available for the poorest is a must.