(P27-065-25) Co-occurrence of Folate and Zinc Deficiency Among Women of Reproductive Age in Ethiopia: Implications for Adverse Birth Outcomes and Fortification Strategies

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the co-occurrence of maternal folate and zinc status, dietary intake, and its implication for adverse birth outcomes.

Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 645 women of reproductive age in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia using a structured interview following an informed consent and ethical approval. Serum zinc concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS; Thermo Fisher Scientific iCAPQ, Bremen, Germany) at University of Nottingham (UoN), UK whereas folate concentration was analyzed using immunoassay technique using COBAS Integra 6000, at EPHI, Ethiopia.

Results: A total of 645 reproductive-aged women participants were included in this study. Serum zinc deficiency was 79.9% (n=634), with 81.93% among pregnant women and 76.3% among lactating mothers. On average, 59.3% of WRA were folate deficient which consists of 52.48 % pregnant and 67.1% lactating women.

Dietary diversity scores revealed low diversity in 38.6% of women (39.8 % in pregnant and 36.6 % in lactating women). Concurrent deficiencies in zinc and folate showed a prevalence of 45.9% whereas those with at least one deficiency is 44.9% having implication for adverse birth outcome.

Conclusions: The coexistence of folate and zinc deficiencies among Ethiopian women of reproductive age highlights the potential interaction between these two micronutrients and underscores the critical need for tailored interventions aimed at enhancing maternal well-being and minimizing adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Funding Sources: Addis Ababa University, Geo-Nutrition Project