| Summary: | Obesity in pregnancy has been associated with an elevated risk for neural tube defects, though it is unknown if this is linked to a lower folate status in obese women. Studies have identified a reduced folate status among obese women even after controlling for folate intake. Thus, it is possible that folic acid pharmacokinetics are altered in the obese body. In this study, we compared the pharmacokinetics of folic acid in obese and non-obese women of childbearing age, following administration of a weight-adjusted dose. Area under the concentration-time curve was found to be significantly higher in the obese group, with the dose per kilogram lean body weight most strongly predicting systemic exposure. Estimation of the daily dose required to achieve protective blood concentrations did not identify a need to change supplementation recommendations for obese women. Accordingly, current guidelines appear to suggest adequate doses for obese women of childbearing age.
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