Red blood cell folate level and associated factors of folate insufficiency among pregnant women attending antenatal care during their first trimester of pregnancy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

This study shows that a large magnitude of the first-trimester pregnant women had red blood cell folate concentrations below levels that are maximally protective against neural tube defects. Folic acid supplementation and supplemental nutrition containing green leafy vegetables should be promoted during the periconceptional period. In addition, the policymakers should set rules for mandatory folic acid fortification.