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
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