Studies of Folic Acid Requirements in Megaloblastic Anemia of Pregnancy

Abstract

THE MINIMAL adult requirement for folic acid is estimated to be 50μg per day.^1,2It is generally believed that requirements for folic acid are increased during pregnancy³; however, carefully documented data are lacking. In previous studies which measured the response to folic acid therapy in megaloblastic anemia of pregnancy,^4-7the folate content of diets was not quantitated and usually "titrated"⁷doses of folic acid were not administered. Recently investigations were initiated to study the requirements of folic acid during pregnancy. Some of the preliminary observations are described. <h3>Methods</h3><h3>Laboratory Procedures.</h3> —Standard hematologic tests, including the preparation of bone marrow for examination, were performed with established techniques.^8-10The quantity of vitamin B₁₂in serum was assayed with<i>Euglena gracilis</i>.¹¹All assays of folate activity were performed with<i>Lactobacillus casei</i>. A modification¹²of the method of Herbert¹³was used for measuring serum folate activity. Whole-blood folate activity was determined by