• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.137-141
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• 2005

The critical role of folate in the remethylation pathway for methionine synthesis from homocysteine has been well documented. Hyperhomocysteinemia resulting from inadequate folate nutrition has been implicated in increased incidence of macrovascular diseases, colorectal cancer, neural tube defects, etc. Chronic exposure to ethanol impairs folate nutrition and one-carbon metabolism in the liver, which often results in fatty liver due to a defective remetylation process. This study was carried out to investigate the chronic effects of moderate levels of alcohol and dietary folate on plasma homocysteine levels, and on histopathology and biochemical functions of the liver. Rats were raised on experimental diets with three levels of folate (0, 2, 8 mg/kg diet), and 50% ethanol (1.8 ml/kg body weight) was administered intragastically by intubation tubes three times a week for 10 weeks. Plasma homocysteine concentrations were found to be significantly influenced by dietary folate intake and alcohol administration. Among all treatment groups, plasma homocysteine levels were the highest in the animals receiving a combined treatment of folate deficient diet and alcohol administration. Plasma homocysteine concentrations were negatively correlated with folate concentration in the plasma (p<0.01) and liver (p<0.05). Among alcohol treated rats, increase in plasma homocysteine values due to macrovascular and microvascular fatty changes and spotted necrosis were observed more frequently in folate-deficient animals diet than those on folate-adequate and folate supplemented diets in alcohol-treated rats. These results indicate that folate supplementation above the recommended level might be beneficial in the prevention of alcohol-related hyperhomocysteinemia and abnormal histologic changes in the liver.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.7
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• pp.1121-1129
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• 1998

The critical role of folate vitamin in the remethylation pathway for methionine synthesis from homocysteine has been well documented. Hyperhomocysteinemia resulting from inadequate folate nutrition has been implicated in increased incidence of macrovascular diseases, colorectal cancer, neural tube defects, etc. Chronic exposure to ethanol impairs folate nutrition and one-carbon metabolism in the liver, which often results in fatty liver due to a defective remethylation process. This study was carried out to investigate the chronic effects of moderate levels of alcohol and dietary 131ate on plasma homocysteine levels, and on histopathology and biochemical functions of the liver Rats were raised on experimental diets with three levels of folate(0, 2, 8mg/kg diet), and 50% ethanol(1.8m1/kg body weight) was administered intragastrically by intubation tubes three times a week for 10 weeks. Plasma homocysteine concentrations were found to be significantly influenced by dietary folate intake and alcohol administration. Among all treatment groups, Plasma homocysteine levels were highest in the animals receiving a combined treatment of folate deficient diet and alcohol administration. Plasma homocysteine concentration was negatively correlated with folate concentration in the plasma(p<0.01) and liver(p<0.05). Among alcohol treated rats, increase in plasma homocysteine values due to ethanol was prevented by 131ate supplementation. When liver histological tests were performed, macrovascular and microvascular fatty changes and spotted necrosis were observed more frequently in folate-deficient animals diet than those on folate-adequate and folate-supplemented diets in alcohol-treated rats. These results indicate that folate supplementation above the recommended level might be beneficial in the prevention of alcohol-related hyperhomocystei-nemia and abnormal histologic changes in the liver due. (Korean J Nutrition 31(7) : l121-l129, 1998)

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.1006-1013
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• 1998

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of ethanol ingestion on 131ate metabolism and plasma homocysteine concentration in Sprague-Dawley male rats receiving 0, 10, 30% of their caloric intake as ethanol for S weeks. Diets containing 10% ethanol had no effect on plasma and red blood cell(rbc) 131a1e. However, in rats fed a 30% ethanol diet, rbc folate increased and plasma 131ate decreased significantly, In the rats maintained first on a 30% ethanol diet for S weeks and then on a control diet for 2 weeks, the levels of plasma and rbc f31ate were normalized by withdrawal of ethanol. Urinary fo1ate excretion increased markedly in rats fed 10% and 30% ethanol diets and decreased to 51% of controls by withdrawal of ethanol. Plasma homocysteine concentration increased significantly in rats fed a 30% ethanol diet. The results suggest that chronic ingestion of ethanol increased urinary 131ate excretion markedly, which may decrease plasma 131ate and deplete liver folate.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.1 no.3
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• pp.163-174
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• 2007

Folate has received international attention regarding its role in the risk-reduction of birth defects, specifically neural tube defects (NTDs). In 1998 health officials in Canada, like the United States, mandated the addition of folic acid to white flour and select grain product's to increase the folate intake of reproductive-aged women. Subsequent to this initiative there has been an increase in blood folate concentrations in Canada and a 50% reduction in NTDs. Many countries, including Korea, have not mandated folic acid fortification of their food supply. Reasons vary but often include concern over the masking of vitamin $B_{12}$ deficiency, a belief that folate intakes among womenare adequate, low priority relative to other domestic issues, and the philosophy that individuals have the right not to consume supplemental folic acid if they so choose. Prior to folic acid fortification of the food supply in Canada, the folate intakes of women were low, and their blood folate concentrations while not sufficiently low to produce overt signs of folate deficiency (eg. anemia) were inconsistent with a level known to reduce the risk of an NTD-affected pregnancy. The purpose of this article is to describe the role of folate during the periconceptional period, pregnancy, and during lactation. The rationale for, and history of recommending folic acid-containing supplements during the periconceptional period and pregnancy is described as is folic acid fortification of the food supply. The impact of folic acid fortification in Canada is discussed, and unresolved issues associated with this policy described. While the incidence of NTDs in Canada pre-folic acid fortification were seemingly higherthan that of Korea today, blood folate levels of Korean women are strikingly similar. We will briefly explore these parallels in an attempt to understand whether folic acid fortification of the food supply in Korean might be worth consideration.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.303-310
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• 2010

Consumption of vegetables and fruits is associated with a reduced risk of stroke, but it is unclear whether their protective effects are due to antioxidant vitamins or folate and metabolically related B vitamins. The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that intake of fruits and vegetables, which are major sources of antioxidant and vitamin B complex vitamins, reduces the risk of stroke. Cases consisted of patients diagnosed with first event of stroke (n = 69). Controls (n = 69) were age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched to cases. Multivariable-adjusted regression analysis showed that subjects who ate four to six servings of vegetable per day had a 32% reduction in the risk of stroke, and those with more than six servings per day had a reduction of 69% after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and family history of stroke. Intakes of total fat, plant fat, calcium, potassium, vitamin $B_1$, vitamin $B_2$, vitamin $B_6$, niacin, and folate were significantly and negatively associated with the risk of stroke. Although the trend was not significant, stroke risk was reduced in the second quartile (1.21-2.66 servings per week) of fish intake. However, intake of fruits (average daily intake of 1.0 serving) and antioxidant vitamins such as carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E was not associated with the risk of stroke. In conclusion, our observational study suggests that intake of fat and vegetables, rich sources of vitamin B complex, calcium, and potassium may protect against stroke.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.247-260
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• 2014

The impact of folate on health and disease, particularly pregnancy complications and congenital malformations, has been extensively studied. Mandatory folic acid fortification therefore has been implemented in multiple countries, resulting in a reduction in the occurrence of neural tube defects. However, emerging evidence suggests increased folate intake may also be associated with unexpected adverse effects. This literature review focuses on contemporary issues of concern, and possible underlying mechanisms as well as giving consideration the future direction of mandatory folic acid fortification. Folate fortification has been associated with the presence of unmetabolized folic acid (PteGlu) in blood, masking of vitamin $B_{12}$ deficiency, increased dosage for anti-cancer medication, photo-catalysis of PteGlu leading to potential genotoxicity, and a role in the pathoaetiology of colorectal cancer. Increased folate intake has also been associated with twin birth and insulin resistance in offspring, and altered epigenetic mechanisms of inheritance. Although limited data exists to elucidate potential mechanisms underlying these issues, elevated blood folate level due to the excess use of PteGlu without consideration of an individual's specific phenotypic traits (e.g. genetic background and undiagnosed disease) may be relevant. Additionally, the accumulation of unmetabolized PteGlu may lead to inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase and other enzymes. Concerns notwithstanding, folic acid fortification has achieved enormous advances in public health. It therefore seems prudent to target and carefully monitor high risk groups, and to conduct well focused further research to better understand and to minimize any risk of mandatory folic acid fortification.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.511-523
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• 2013

This research involved a survey on the dietary patterns of children and adolescents living in group homes, to find out their wrong eating habits and to devise measures for correcting their problems. The BMIs of the subject children and adolescents in group homes were measured, and the result showed that although many of them appeared to have normal weights, about 42.2% were actually underweight. Most of them had meals regularly, three times a day at fixed times. However, half of them frequently skipped breakfast because of the lack of time in the morning. In addition, more than half of them had the habit of having imbalanced diets, especially with low vegetable intake. The score for their satisfaction toward meals at group homes were highest (3.97) with the taste of food, while it was relatively lower (3.61) with the variety of food than with the other items. The average score for their snack intake was 3.47, showing that the majority of them had the habit of eating snacks, while the largest portion (26.0%) of them preferred bread and cookies. According to the result of the analysis on their food intake, overall calorie intake was about 82~96% of estimated energy requirements, while that of the male subjects aged 12 or older was about 82% of the standard energy requirements. Their overall intake of calcium and potassium was lower than recommended nutrition intake, but sodium intake was higher than 3 times recommended intake. Especially, in addition to calcium and potassium, the male subjects aged 15 or older showed low intake of dietary fiber, iron, zinc, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C and folate also; whereas the female subjects aged 15 or older showed low intake of iron, zinc, riboflavin and folate also. Taken together, it was concluded that government level of dietary life-related support and management would be necessary for the healthy growth and development of children and adolescents in group homes.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.208-213
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• 2009

The achievement of maximal peak bone mineral density (BMD) in early life is one of the most important strategies for the prevention of osteoporosis, which is affected by nutritional status. However, it has been reported that young Korean women do not consume the optimal levels of nutrients because of the frequent practice of body weight reduction. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between nutrient intakes and BMD in young Korean women. Bone mineral density was measured at the lumbar spine by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Information on health status, lifestyle and physical activity was obtained by questionnaire. Dietary intake was ascertained from a 3-day dietary record. The study sample included 112 Korean women aged 20$\sim$39 yr. In accordance with the energy intake of subjects, individuals who had an energy intake that was greater than 80% of the Korean Dietary Reference Intake (KDRI) were assigned to the control group (Control), while those who had an energy intake lower than 80% of the KDRI were assigned to the low intake group (LI). The intake of all nutrients in the LI group was significantly lower than that of the Control. Control subjects also showed nutrient intakes higher than the KDRI, except for Ca and folate. However, LI subjects showed intakes of energy, fiber, Ca, Fe, K, Zn, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and folate that were lower than the KDRI. The BMD of the lumbar spine in LI subjects was significantly lower than that of the Control subjects. These results suggested that lower nutrient intake has a negative impact on BMD in young women.

• Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.125-132
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• 1999

This study investigated the differences in dietary intake, age, body mass index(BMI), marital status and education of 1,585 Korean healthy males among current smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers. Dietary intake was determined by a food frequency questionnaire at the Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, Korea. A bioelectric impedance analyzer measured height, body weight and BMI. This study identified 50% of the study group as current smokers and 30% as ex-smokers and 20% as non-smokers. The mean body mass index was 23.7kg/㎡ and did not differ significantly among the three groups. THe current smokers were younger(44.9 years old) and contained a lower percentage(58.5%) of college graduate than that of ex-smokers or non-smokers. The percentage of non-consumers of meat, eggs, beans and bean products was higher in non-smokers than that of ex-smokers or current smokers. Smoking was to a significant degree positively related to the amount of coffee and alcoholic beverages consumed and negatively related to the amount of milk and milk products and fruits consumed. The intake of eggs, milk and milk products, fruit, coffee, sweets, fats and oils were significantly different among the three groups. after adjusting for age, education level, marital status, and alcohol consumption. There was a strong positive relationship between smoking intensity and the intake of coffee and alcoholic beverages(p<0.0005), and an inverse relationship between smoking intensity and fruit, milk and milk product intake(p<0.005). The current smokers were characterized by a higher intake of total energy and cholesterol, and a lower intake of dietary fibers, ${\beta}$-carotine and folate than those of non-smokers or ex-smokers. The nutrient intake of ex-smokers was moderate and highest in ${\beta}$-carotine and folate, which suggested that ex-smokers were trying to change their life style.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.509-518
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• 2011

This study was intended to investigate dietary behavior, health related behavior and the effects of nutrient intake of female college students. Dietary behavior, health related behavior and the perception of the body conditions were surveyed with anonymous questionnaires, and 24hrs recall method for nutrient intake was obtained from 161 female college students in Chungbuk area. The mean height and weight of the subjects were $161.4{\pm}5.0$cm and $53.8{\pm}7.4 $kg, respectively. The dietary behavior of female college students was generally inadequate. More specifically, irregularity of meals, indifference of dietary balance, and skipping breakfast, showing $4.77{\pm}2.20$for dietary behavior score, $11.76{\pm}3.89$ for DVS and $3.58{\pm}0.82$ for DDS, respectively. It was found that almost 63% of subjects did not anything for health care and the frequency of exercise of subjects was low. The perception of body conditions of the subjects seemed to be generally positive. However, satisfaction levels on body shape was very negative showing that only 12.4% of subjects answered as 'very satisfied' and 'satisfied'. When nutrient intake of the female college students was compared with Dietary Reference Intake for Korean, folate(45%), potassium(55%), vitamin C(59%), Ca(72%), fiber(72%), Fe(79%) and energy(80%) were found to be insufficient. But protein(138%), P(122%) and Na(179%) were found to be oversupplied. The nutrient intake of fiber, plant Ca, vitamin A, ${\beta}$-carotene, vitamin B6, vitamin C, folate and vitamin E were significantly higher, and those of Fe, Zn and protein were a little high in the high score group of dietary behavior. Also Food group intake, DDS and DVS were higher in the high score group of dietary behavior.