Folic Acid-Related Dietary Preferences and Health Interests of Latino Women Living in North Carolina

Objectives: Women of childbearing age are strongly encouraged to take a daily multivitamin containing folic acid in order to decrease their risk of having a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect (NTD). While multivitamins offer an effective means for obtaining adequate amounts of folic acid, there are dietary options (e.g., fortified grain products) for obtaining this important vitamin. In the current study, the willingness of Latino women living in North Carolina to use these options was examined. Methods: A total of 115 Latino women participated in the study. The participants ranged in age from 18 to 48 years (mean=29.5 years, SD=7.9 years). A 22-item questionnaire was used to collect data about the participants’ current folic acid-related dietary behaviors, their willingness to make dietary modifications, and their interest in learning about health conditions that are believed to be affected by folic acid consumption. Data collection sites included 13 English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, a parenting class, and two Latino community resource centers. Results: Half of the participants did not use multivitamins, yet most of the non-users indicated a willingness to begin taking multivitamins. There was a significant relationship between multivitamin use and age and income; the younger participants and those with lower household incomes were less likely to use multivitamins. Cereal was a popular food item, and many of the participants (65.8%) indicated a willingness to increase their weekly intake of this food by four or more times a week. Conclusions: There are a variety of cereals that offer 100% of the daily-recommended amount of folic acid. This food might be a valuable alternative for Latino women who, for whatever reason, do not use multivitamins. Furthermore, promoting the overall health benefits of folic acid could serve as an important motivator for Latino women who are reluctant to increase their consumption of this vitamin for the sole purpose of NTD