The effect of folic acid and iron in the prevention of nutritional anaemias in pregnancy in Nigeria.

I . Fifty-two pregnant women in a village were divided into three groups, A, B and C , and were given the following supplements: A, iron in the form of zoo mg ferrous sulphate daily; B, Fe (as group A) and 5 mg of folic acid daily; C , Fe and folic acid (as group B) plus an antimalarial drug. 2. Blood samples were collected each week and assessed for haemoglobin and haematocrit values. 3. Dietary intakes of Fe and folic acid were calculated for both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Results revealed that Fe intake was adequate and Fe deficiency not common. The supplement of Fe increased the haemoglobin levels. 4. Folic acid intake was low and intake probably fluctuated during the year because of seasonal changes in the dietary folic acid. 5 . About 28% of patients, during their first attendance, had haematocrit values below normal. Folic acid supplements increased these values.