Demographic, Physiologic, and Lifestyle Characteristics Observed with Serum Total Folate Differ Among Folate Forms: Cross-Sectional Data from Fasting Samples in the NHANES 2011-2016.

Background: Serum folate forms were measured in the US population during recent NHANES to assess folate status.

Objective: We describe post-folic acid-fortification concentrations of serum folate forms in the fasting US population ≥1 y from the NHANES 2011-2016.

Methods: We measured 5 biologically active folates and 1 oxidation product (MeFox) of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-methyl-THF). We calculated geometric means of 5-methyl-THF, unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA), nonmethyl folate (sum of tetrahydrofolate, 5-formyltetrahydrofolate, and 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate), total folate (sum of above biomarkers), and MeFox by demographic, physiologic, and lifestyle variables; estimated the magnitude of variables on biomarker concentrations after covariate adjustment; and determined the prevalence of UMFA >2 nmol/L.

Results: After demographic adjustment, age, sex, and race-Hispanic origin were significantly associated with most folate forms. MeFox increased with age, while 5-methyl-THF, UMFA, and nonmethyl folate displayed U-shaped age patterns. Compared with non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks had 23% lower predicted 5-methyl-THF but comparable UMFA; non-Hispanic Asians had comparable 5-methyl-THF but 28% lower UMFA; Hispanics, non-Hispanic Asians, and non-Hispanic blacks had ∼20% lower MeFox. After additional physiologic and lifestyle adjustment, predicted UMFA and MeFox concentrations were 43% and 112% higher, respectively, in adults with chronic kidney disease and 17% and 15% lower, respectively, in adults consuming daily 1-<2 alcoholic beverages; 5-methyl-THF concentrations were 20% lower in adult smokers. The prevalence of UMFA >2 nmol/L was highest in persons aged ≥70 y (9.01%) and lowest in those aged 12-19 y (1.14%). During 2011-2014, the prevalence was 10.6% in users and 2.22% in nonusers of folic acid-containing supplements.

Conclusions: In fasting persons ≥1 y, the demographic, physiologic, and lifestyle characteristics observed with serum total folate differed among folate forms, suggesting biological and/or genetic influences on folate metabolism. High UMFA was mostly observed in supplement users and older persons.