Erythrocyte Folate Analysis: Saponin Added During Lysis of Whole Blood can Increase Apparent Folate Concentrations, Depending on Hemolysate Ph (Nutrition‪)‬

Some of the major causes of perinatal, infant, and childhood mortality and morbidity are spina bifida and the related neural tube defects (NTDs), [1] anencephaly and encephalocele. Although the introduction of screening (maternal serum [alpha]-fetoprotein estimation or fetal ultrasound examination) has led to a reduction in the number of children born with NTDs, through termination of pregnancy (1, 2), it cannot prevent the development of these defects or the associated parental distress. There now is firm evidence that an adequate intake of periconceptional folate (a B-group vitamin found especially in leafy green vegetables, some other vegetables and fruits, and whole grain cereals) can prevent a significant proportion of NTDs. Numerous studies (case-control and cohort studies and nonrandomized and randomized controlled trials) have shown that increased intake of either dietary folates or supplemental folic acid reduces the risk of NTDs (3). It is not surprising, therefore, that there is renewed interest in the analysis of red cell folate (RCF) as an indicator of folate deficiency risk in women of childbearing age. Moreover, inverse associations between RCF concentration and the risk of cardiovascular disease (4) and various cancers (5, 6) have generated additional interest in the analysis of RCF as an indicator of risk of folate deficiency in the general population.