Folate and Vitamin B-12 Status in Latin America and the Caribbean: An Update

Abstract

Background: The current magnitude of folate and vitamin B-12 deficiency in Latin America and the Caribbean is uncertain.

Objective: To summarize data on plasma or serum vitamin B-12 and folate concentrations in Latin America and the Caribbean reported since 1990, a period that covers the era before and after the introduction of folic acid fortification.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted in 2012 and updated in 2014. Studies and surveys using biochemical biomarkers and conducted in apparently healthy individuals were identified.

Results: Folate deficiency in Latin America and the Caribbean appears not to be a public health problem (prevalence < 5%) after the introduction of folic acid fortification. However, there is some indication that high rates of low or marginal vitamin B-12 status remain in most locations and across population groups.

Conclusions: Adding vitamin B-12 as a fortificant with folic acid may be the best strategy in areas where vitamin B-12 deficiency is an established concern.