• A study done by AIIMS, New Delhi highlighted higher prevalence of  folate deficiency among urban adolescents attending government schools across North India.

• 3129 healthy school going adolescents participated and circulatory folate levels were measured using electrochemiluminescence.

Key findings:

• 41% of adolescents, particularly those in urban government-funded schools, had folate insufficiency.

• Girls had higher prevalence of folate deficiency compared to boys showing gender disparity.

• Folate levels were significantly associated with socioeconomic status, influencing both biochemical and anthropometric health markers.

• Significant link was found between folate levels and MYO1B, CDH9 and PANK3 genes.

• Study reaffirmed role of MTHFR variant (rs1801133) and identified novel variants in KRT7 and AK9 genes affecting folate levels.

Health implications:

• Low folate levels can weaken the immune system increasing susceptibility to infections.

• In girls folate deficiency may lead to anemia, lowered stamina and difficulty in concentration.

• Folate is vital for reproductive health, and early deficiency can negatively impact future pregnancy outcomes.

• The findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted nutritional health interventions among adolescents in India.Click here to read more