• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.493-502
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• 2020

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary vitamin B intake on biomarkers related to lipid metabolism, inflammation and blood glucose control, that are important in the development of type 2 diabetes and its complications. Seventy-six adults (42 males, 34 females) were recruited from a group of diabetes patients who had visited the medical center for treatment. Data on anthropometric characteristics and dietary intake of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B₆ and folate were collected using 24-hour diet recall and the CAN Pro 4.0 program. Also, data on clinical indices such as serum lipids, blood pressure, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and homeostasis model assessment 2-insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) were collected and analyzed for correlation with dietary vitamin B intake. Results from the dietary intake survey showed that riboflavin and folate intake (in males) and folate intake (in females) were below the Dietary Reference Intake for Koreans. Statistical analysis revealed a negative correlation between hs-CRP and dietary intake of B vitamins. Riboflavin intake was inversely associated with systolic blood pressure after adjustments for age, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, ingestion of diabetes mellitus medication and energy intake (p<0.05). Our results suggest that dietary vitamin B may influence inflammation and consequently may help in better management of type 2 diabetes.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.34 no.7
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• pp.797-808
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• 2001

To determine folate intake and food sources in Korea college students, dietary survey was conducted in March, 1999. Dietary data were collected by trained interviewers using the method of 24-hour recalls for 3 consecutive days. The data of 44 male and 62 female students were analyzed with two different nutrient databases in Recommended Dietary Allowances for Korean on the 6th and 7th revisions, and the results were compared. The intakes of energy and nutrients except vitamin A and folate were lower when analyzed with the 7th database than the 6th database. Mean daily folate intakes with the 6th and 7th databases were 172.9$\mu\textrm{g}$, 221.6$\mu\textrm{g}$ for male students while 125.1$\mu\textrm{g}$, 168.0$\mu\textrm{g}$ for female students, respectively. The results showed significantly higher estimates of folate intake with the 7th database, and significantly higher intake in males than females analyzed with both the 6th and 7th databases. Daily folate intake per 1,000kcal (folate density) was 71.1$\mu\textrm{g}$/1000kcal for males and 67.6$\mu\textrm{g}$/1000kcal for females with the 6th database, and 97.9$\mu\textrm{g}$/1000kcal for males and 95.5$\mu\textrm{g}$/1000kcal for females with the 7th database. The differences in folate density between the two databases were signficant, but the differences between the gender were not significant. The proportions of the subjects who consumed more than the RDA of 250$\mu\textrm{g}$ with the 6th and 7th databases were only 4.6%, 29.6% of males and 1.6%, 9.7% of females, respectively. The biggest food source of folate was Kimchi, contributing 17.9% for male and 13.7% for female students with 7th database. Laver, spinach, Ramyon, rice, and Ko Chu Jang together with Kimchi contributed 41.9% for male and 32.4% for females students with the 7th database. These results imply that folate intake reported in the reported inthe previous studies using the 6th database was underestimated. However, the 7th database seems to be still incomplete since 20.5% of 2,932 foods in the database were derived from the other sources, and the rest were imputed from similar foods. Therefore, in order to accurately estimate folate intake of Koreans, folate contents in major contributing foods need to be measured using an appropriate assay method.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.330-347
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• 2022

Folate, a water-soluble vitamin, acts as a coenzyme for one-carbon metabolism in nucleic acid synthesis and amino acid metabolism. Adequate folate nutritional status during the periconceptional period is known to prevent neural tube defects. In addition, insufficient folate intake is associated with various conditions, such as anemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, cardiovascular disease, cancer, cognitive impairment, and depression. This review discusses the rationale for the revision of the 2020 Korean dietary reference intakes for folate, and suggestions for future revisions. Based on the changes in the standard body weight in 2020, the adequate intake (AI) for infants (5-11 months) and the estimated average requirements (EARs) for 15-18 years of age were revised, but there were no changes in the recommended nutrient intakes (RNIs) and tolerable upper intake levels (ULs) for all age groups. Mean folate intake did not reach RNI in most age groups and was particularly low in women aged 15-29 years, according to the results of the 2016-2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The percentages of folate intake to RNI were lower than 60% in pregnant and lactating women, but serum folate concentrations were higher than those in other age groups, presumably due to the use of supplements. Therefore, total folate intake, from both food and supplements, should be evaluated. In addition, the database of folate in raw, cooked, and fortified foods should be further expanded to accurately assess the folate intake of Koreans. Determination of the concentrations of erythrocyte folate and plasma homocysteine as well as serum folate is recommended, and quality control of the analysis is critical.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.8
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• pp.1263-1269
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• 1998

The maintenance of adequate folate levels in the umbilical cord blood is esential for supplying tissue requirements of fetal growth. However, there is data on folate levels in the cord blood of Korean infant. The present investigation was undertaken to determine folate levels in cord blood and aassess relationships between folate levels and pregnancy outcomes. Dietary and supplementary folate intake was obtained from thirty subjects who were in the third trimester fo pregancy . The umbilical cord blood was drawn at delivery and pregnancy outcomes for the subjects were collected from their medical records. Erythrocyte and plasma folate levels in the cord blood were analyzed. The subjects were divided into two groups ; high folate (HF, $\geq$654ng/ml) and low folate (LF, <654ng/ml) groups according to erythrocyte folate levels in cord blood. Dietary folate intake and the amount of supplemental folates were not significantly different between the two experimental groups. However, infant birth weight (3540$\pm$295g) and placental weight(910$\pm$85g) for the HF group were significantly higher(p=0.0041 and p=0.109, respectively) than those for the LF group, which were 3127 $\pm$419g and 823$\pm$80g , respectively. Although it was not significant, the gestational weight gain for the HF group was 2.8kg higher than that for the LF group. Thus, the erythrocyte folate level in the cord blood was significantly related to infant birth weight and placental weight. These results confirm that a high erythrocyte folate level in the umbilical cord blood promotes both fetal and placental growth and improves gestational weight gain as well.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.1 no.4
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• pp.254-259
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• 2007

This study assessed folate intakes, folate concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes, plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentration, and urinary excretion of folate metabolites in Korean women with childbearing potential. A total of 23 women voluntarily participated in this study. Precise dietary intakes for 3 consecutive days were determined by weighing all foods consumed and folate intake was calculated using a computer-aided dietary analysis system. Folate concentration of plasma and erythrocytes was determined by a microbiological method. Plasma tHcy concentration was assayed using an HPLC analysis method. Urine excreted over the same period of time was collected and folate catabolites, para-aminobenzoylglutamate (pABG) and para-acetamidobenzoylglutamate (ApABG), were evaluated using a reverse-phase HPLC method after affinity chromatography. Young women of 20 and under were likely to consume less folate with low energy intake, had lower folate concentration in plasma and erythrocytes, and excreted a lesser amount of ApABG and total folate catabolites than women of 25 years and over. The results of this study confirmed that young Korean women with childbearing potential, especially those under 21 years of age, might be at risk for compromised folate status due to insufficient folate intakes from inadequate energy consumption.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.427-439
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• 2013

The aim of this study was to determine whether Nutrition Quotient (NQ) for children, which has been developed from data on urban children, can be applied to children in rural areas. A total of 200 children (108 boys and 92 girls) in fifth and sixth grade at three elementary schools in rural areas of Gyeongbuk participated in the survey conducted during June 2012. Questionnaires consisted of items on food intake frequency and dietary behavior. Food intake data were obtained using the 24-hour recall method, and nutrient intake was calculated using the CAN-Pro 4.0 Program. Percentages of children who took less than the estimated average requirement were 76.5%, 49.5%, 45.5%, 33.5%, and 26.0% for calcium, vitamin C, iron, vitamin A, and folate, respectively. Significant associations were observed between intake frequencies of vegetables, kimchi, and fruits, and intake of vitamin C, folate, and dietary fiber. White milk and legumes showed positive correlation with intake of calcium and vitamin A. Eating breakfast, meal regularity, and diverse side dishes showed positive correlation with intake of folate and calcium. The 19 food checklist items could be categorized according to five factors. The mean NQ score of the subjects was 62.0, which was similar to that of urban children, 64.4. NQ score and factor scores for balance, regularity, and practice were significantly lower in children with lower socioeconomic level as compared to those with higher socioeconomic level. Higher NQ score showed an association with increased intake of vitamin B2, folate, vitamin C, and calcium. In conclusion, NQ offers a valuable instrument for evaluation of food habit and dietary quality of rural children as well as urban children, and children with low socioeconomic status should be monitored by testing with NQ checklist before implementation of nutrition programs.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.88-91
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• 2004

New Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) forthe United States and Canada have recently been set for both macronutrients and micronutrients, and are likely to be of interest to health professionals in Korea as well. DRIs are now available for nutrients that did not have Recommended Dietary Allowances set in the past (amino acids, n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, total fiber, added sugar, choline, boron, nickel, and vanadium). Furthermore, the units for the DRIs do not always match those traditionally carried on food composition tables (FCTs). FCT developers will also need to consider carrying new variables to allow the calculation of folate intake in $\mu$g of dietary folate equivalents, vitamin E intake as mg of a-tocopherol (not as mg of a-tocopherol equivalents), and vitamin A intake as $\mu$g of retinol activity equivalents (not as $\mu$g of retinol equivalents). Because the new recommendations for upper levels of intake sometimes refer to a specific form or source of a nutrient, nutrients occurring in foods must be separated from added or supplemental forms for vitamin E, niacin, and folate; pharmacological magnesium must be carried as a separate variable; and preformed vitamin A must be separated from vitamin A from carotenoids. For more information on the DRIs, see: www.nap.edu.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.10
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• pp.4383-4386
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• 2015

Background: The C1561T variant of the glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) gene is critical for natural methylfolylpolyglutamte (methylfolate) absorption, and has been associated with perturbations in folate metabolism and disease susceptibility. However, little is known on C1561T-GCPII as a risk factor for colorectal cancer. Therefore, this study examined whether C1561T-GCPII influences folate metabolism and adenomatous polyp occurrence. Materials and Methods: 164 controls and 38 adenomatous polyp cases were analysed to determine blood folate and plasma homocysteine (Hcy) level, dietary intake of natural methylfolate, synthetic pteroylglutamic acid (PteGlu), vitamin C and C1561T-GCPII genotype. Results: In controls and cases, 7.3 and 18.4 percent of subjects respectively, were found to have the CT genotype, increasing the risk for adenomatous polyp occurrence 2.86 times (95% CI:1.37-8.0, p=0.035). Total dietary folate, methylfolate and PteGlu intake and the level of erythrocyte folate and plasma Hcy did not predict the occurrence of an adenomatous polyp. However, dietary natural vitamin C intake was associated with adenomatous polyp risk within C1561T-GCPII CT genotype subjects (p=0.037). Conclusions: The findings suggest that C1561T-GCPII variation may be associated with risk for adenomatous polyp, and vitamin C may modify risk by interacting with the variant gene, its expression product and/or folate substrates.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.216-223
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• 2013

The purpose of this study is to assess folate intake, and serum and red blood cell (RBC) folate concentrations, and investigate the association between folate status and health-related behaviors among Korean college students. A total of 169 students, aged between 18 and 27 years, participated in this study. Dietary intake data were collected by trained interviewers using a 24-hour recall method for three non-consecutive days in 2009. Information on health-related behaviors was obtained by a self-administered questionnaire. Serum and RBC folate concentrations were measured by microbiological assay. The average intakes of folate were $456{\mu}gDFE$ and $347{\mu}gDFE$ in male and female students, respectively. While the average serum folate concentration was significantly lower in male students (8.9 ng/mL) compared to female students (12.5 ng/mL), RBC concentrations were not significantly different between male (398.6 ng/mL) and female students (405.3 ng/mL). In male students, low serum folate concentrations were associated with total folate intake less than the Estimated Average Requirement, non-use of folic acid supplements, smoking, alcohol drinking at least once a week and low physical activity. In female students, low serum folate concentrations were associated with smoking and alcohol drinking at least two drinks at a time and BMI ${\geq}25$. Alcohol drinking and low physical activity were also associated with low RBC folate concentrations in both male and female students. In order to improve folate nutritional status of college students, the practice of desirable health-related behaviors, such as non-smoking, moderate alcohol drinking, regular physical activity, and maintenance of healthy BMI should be encouraged along with consumption of folate-rich foods and supplements.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.152-158
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• 2001

In this study, we determined major foods and food groups which contributed to the intake of folate in korean child-bearing women. Folate content of the major foods was also analyzed. A total of 91 healthy women with childbearing potential participated. They were divided into one of three groups by age; A (15∼24 yrs), B(25∼34 yrs) and C (35∼49 yrs). Food consumption data of the subjects were obtained by the 24-hr recall method. The rate of contribution of each food to the total intake of dietary folate was determined. Seventy major foods for folate were selected from the 178 foods they consumed. Two sets of the 70 foods were collected from different markets. After extracting folates from the foods by heating with a HEPES-CHES buffer, the samples were treated with α-amylase, protease and folate intakes was Korean cabbage kimchi followed by laver, soybean sprout, rice, yolmu kimchi, eggs, lettuce, perilla leaves, sea mustard and radish root. Food items that contributed to folate intake were slightly different among the age groups. Although the folate content of Korean cabbage kimchi was 51.6 ㎍/100g, but due to the high amount of intake, it was ranked the first major food prviding folate. High folate foods containing over 100㎍/100g were laver, corn flakes, spinach, mungbean, sesame, quail's eggs, small radish kimchi, kidney beans, leeks and peanuts. However, based on the serving size, spinach, corn flakes, leeks, sweet potato, pepper leaves, quail's eggs, crown daisy, small radish kimchi and perilla leaves contributed above 50㎍ of folate per serving size.