Individualized folic acid supplementation based on MTHFR and MTRR gene polymorphisms reduces the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in a Chinese population.

OBJECTIVE

Folic acid (FA) may contribute to the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but available studies are inconsistent. We studied the genotype distribution and allele frequencies of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T, A1298C, and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) A66G polymorphisms in pregnant Chinese women and compared the effects of individualized and traditional FA supplementation on GDM.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, genotype distribution and allele frequencies in 968 pregnant women were tested. FA metabolism was tested by dividing patients into four groups, each of which was supplemented with different doses of FA at different times. Pregnancy complications were followed up and compared to 1940 pregnant women traditionally supplemented with FA in the same hospital as a control group.

RESULTS

The allele frequencies were 63.3% (C) and 36.7% (T) for MTHFR C677T, 79.3% (A) and 20.7% (C) for MTHFR A1298C and 75.0% (A) and 25.0% (G) for MTRR A66G. The incidence of GDM after FA supplementation was significantly lower in the case group compared to the control group, especially in high-risk pregnancies.

CONCLUSION

Using genetic polymorphisms to elucidate FA metabolism in pregnant women and providing appropriate FA supplementation can be effective in reducing GDM, especially in high-risk groups.