AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE FOLATE STATUS OF HUMAN SUBJECTS IN SELECTED VILLAGES AROUND ZARIA (NORTHERN NIGERIA)
AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE FOLATE STATUS OF HUMAN SUBJECTS IN SELECTED VILLAGES AROUND ZARIA (NORTHERN NIGERIA)
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Date
1981-01
Authors
HUQ, RAZIA SULTANA
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Abstract
The .normal ranges for serum and red cell folate levels in a
Fulani community around Zaria have been determined to be 1.28-5.96
and 124. - 359 ng/ml respectively. The red blood cell folate
(RCF) levels of Fulani children and adult males were significantly
lower than those of the control subjects.
Among the raw foods consumed by the Fulanis from the selected
population, locust bean cake (Daddawa) was found to have the
highest concentration of folates (0.95 Ug folate/g dry wt. of food) .
The seasonal variation in folate levels of raw food items was
not significant. However, a clear picture has not emerged concerning
the cooked foods because of the unco-operative attitude of human
subjects.
Attempts have been made to study the effect of cooking on food
folate levels. Most of the folates in food were found to be d stroyed
to various degrees depending on the length and temperature
of the heat treatment.
From the results, an individual from t h e population under study
ingests 80-1 20 Ug of folates in a day. This level of folates clearly
f a l l s short of the recommended level by authorities in t h i s area.
Description
A Thesis submitted in partial requirements
for the degree
of
M.Sc. Biochemistry
in the
Ahmadu Bello University
Zaria, Nigeria
Department of Biochemistry
Ahmadu Bello University
Zaria, Nigeria
Keywords
INVESTIGATION,, FOLATE,, STATUS,, HUMAN,, SUBJECTS,, SELECTED,, VILLAGES,, ZARIA,, NORTHERN NIGERIA