Abstract

The relation between maternal and cord blood folate activity was investigated in a group of 110 primigravidae and their infants. Approximately half of these mothers had received folic acid supplements during their pregnancy, and the effects of this on infant blood folate levels at birth and at 6 weeks were also studied.

In unsupplemented pregnancies there was a significant relation between infant and maternal blood folate levels at delivery.

The results of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy were reflected by higher cord blood values, but 6 weeks after delivery infant plasma folate levels were essentially the same in both groups and independent of maternal supplies before delivery.