[Biochemical and hematological measures for determination of folate status in humans. 1. Relation between serum folate and segmentation of neutrophil granulocytes].

In a study on 130 student volunteers the segmentation of neutrophil granulocytes was measured. The serum folate concentration was used as biochemical reference. Both parameters indicate the state of folate supply or the degree of folate deficiency, respectively. Considering the haematologic response as an objective criterion only 71% of the examines showed an adequate folate status. 11% were found "deficient" and 18% were in a marginal state of folate supply. This result was confirmed by repeating the experiment. Further studies are to include folate concentration of erythrocytes and urine concentration of formiminoglutamic acid.