MedPath

Estimation of Plasma Folate Apparent Volume of Distribution in Adults

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Healthy
Interventions
Dietary Supplement: 13C5-labelled 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid
Registration Number
NCT00975351
Lead Sponsor
Quadram Institute Bioscience
Brief Summary

The aim of this study is to calculate the plasma apparent volume of distribution of natural folate to give a more accurate value for use in a mathematical model of apparent folate absorption.

Detailed Description

Bioavailability is a major determinant of nutritional status. In order to determine a safe level of folate fortification, its bioavailability must be assessed, so that risk-benefit analysis can be carried out. Recently, a mathematical model of folate true absorption which takes into account the liver first pass was devised (ref 1). In this model, the volume of distribution is a convenient method for describing how well a nutrient is removed from plasma and distributed into tissues.

In this study, volume of distribution will be more accurately estimated using an intravenous dose of labelled (13C5) dose of natural folate (5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid) in healthy adults aged 18-65, over a wide body mass index (BMI) range.

Healthy adults will be given an IV dose of a small amount of 13C5 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, and blood samples will be taken at regular time points via a cannula over a 2hr time period.

The primary objective is to estimate the sampled plasma pool volume of distribution in order to quantify the fraction of any folate test dose, or folate metabolites, appearing in systemic plasma circulation in future studies of bioavailability.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
20
Inclusion Criteria
  • Males and females
  • Aged 18-65
  • Body mass index above 19.5 and below 40
  • Smokers and non-smokers
  • Participation in the FolGene study
Exclusion Criteria
  • Pregnancy or been pregnant in last 12 months
  • History of fits, seizures or blackouts
  • Parallel participation in other research projects which invole dietary intervention and/or sampling of biological fluids/material which study nurses advice would affect either wellbeing of volunteer or the study data, apart from participation in the FolGene study
  • Any person related to or living with a member of the study team
  • Participation in another research project which involves blood sampling within the last 4 months unless total amount blood combined from both studies is less than 470ml
  • Had donated blood within 16 weeks of starting the study
  • Prescribed medication for epilepsy/seizures
  • Diabetics
  • History of any gastrointestinal disorder requiring medical treatment
  • Any long term medical condition requiring active treatment which may affect volunteers wellbeing or the study data

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
IV dose of 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid13C5-labelled 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acidIV test dose of 13C5-labelled 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid to all eligible volunteers, followed by regular blood samplings over 2hr period taken via a cannula.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Estimation of sampled plasma pool volume of distribution for natural folates2 hours
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Institute of Food Research

🇬🇧

Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath