Abstract:
Folate deficiency is one of the micronutrient deficiencies of greatest public health
concern, especially among women of child bearing age due to the potential
consequences to the unborn baby. To address micronutrient deficiencies including
folate, the Government of Kenya amended the food, drug and chemical substances act to
have mandatory fortification of maize and wheat flour with folic acid. This study sought
to determine the prevalence of folate deficiency and assess awareness and utilization of
folic acid. A cross-sectional study of 247 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic
(ANC) at Pumwani Maternity Hospital was conducted. A structured questionnaire was
used to interview study participants. Blood samples were collected from all study
participants and serum folates analyzed by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Of
the 247 study participants, 2 (0.8%) had folate deficiency. One hundred and seventynine (73.4%) had heard about folic acid supplements while 56 (22.7%) had heard of
folic acid fortified flour. Overall, 198 (80.2%) study participants consumed fortified
brands of maize flour and 205 (84.4%) consumed fortified brands of wheat flour. In
conclusion, the prevalence of folate deficiency was low possibly due to the
implementation of mandatory folate fortification of maize and wheat flour. Although
there was limited knowledge of fortified flour, utilization was high. The Ministry of
Health should reinforce implementation of the legislation on maize flour and wheat flour
fortification by all milling industries
