Scientists found 98% of thin women deficient in folic acid

Scientists from Fujita Health University found that 98% of the women participating in the study with a body mass index below 18 kg/m2 were deficient in folic acid, and often deficient in other vitamins as well. The research was published in the journal nutrients.

Overweight and obesity are well-known risk factors for cardiovascular disease and are often explored while underweight is often overlooked. In the new study, researchers examined the characteristics of thin people aged 20 to 39 who attended health checks at their workplace between August 2022 and September 2022.

Medical records of 643 women and 1457 men were reviewed. The proportion of underweight women was much higher than that of men, at 17% and 4.5%, respectively. Slim scientists thought that the body mass index was below 18 kg/m2. Accordingly, a minimum healthy weight of 47.4 kg for an adult woman with a height of 1.6 m was accepted as 53.5 kg for a woman with a height of 1.7 m.

Total energy, carbohydrate, fiber, calcium and iron intakes were lower in 90% of the participants. Folic acid, vitamin B, vitamin B12 and vitamin B1 deficiencies were observed in 98%, 14%, 25% and 4.60% of the subjects, respectively.

Dietary fiber (fiber) intake was lower among 95% of the participants. Adequate fiber intake is considered necessary to prevent cardiovascular diseases and many digestive system diseases.

Levels of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were below normal in approximately 30% of the participants. Also in lean women, there was a decrease in the level of immune cells of lymphocytes, grip strength and serum cholesterol levels. Anemia was observed in 16% and an increase in glycated hemoglobin level in 36%.

Scientists believe that the pursuit of low weight increases the risk of infertility, menstrual irregularities, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and glucose intolerance. Children born to underweight mothers have low birth weight, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and nutritional deficiencies, thus affecting growth and development.

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