Serum Folate Related to Five Measurements of Obesity and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Korean Adults

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of folic acid on obesity and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VII 2016–2018), 6394 adults (aged 19–80 years) who met the study criteria were identified and divided into young, middle-aged, and older adult groups. The analysis assessed associations using logistic regression for complex samples. Obesity was measured using body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), a body shape index (ABSI), and body roundness index (BRI). The odds ratio (OR) of obesity based on BMI were statistically significant for young adults and older participants with low levels of folic acid compared to those with high levels (OR: 1.33 and 1.58, respectively). The OR of obesity based on BMI, WC, WHtR, ABSI, and BRI was significant with low levels of folic acid in middle-aged individuals (OR: 1.36, 1.32, 1.41, 1.29, and 1.47, respectively). Low folate levels were related to higher high-sensitivity CRP levels in middle-aged patients. In conclusion, folate level showed a significant inverse association with obesity and inflammatory biomarkers, especially in the middle-aged group. Further longitudinal or randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm and expand our results.