Project summary and aims:
Folic acid supplementation is recommended from preconception until the end of lactation.
However, another form of supplemental folate, 5-MTHF, is also approved by Health Canada and
is increasingly being used by those who are pregnant and trying to conceive. It is unclear
whether these folate forms should be considered interchangeable, as they have different
chemical structures and are metabolized differently. To address this gap, we are conducting a
multisite clinical trial in Saskatoon, SK and Vancouver, BC. Individuals who are trying to
become pregnant will be randomized to supplementation with folic acid or 5-MTHF;
supplementation will continue until ~1 month postpartum. Our aim is to ensure that
supplementation with 5-MTHF is as effective as folic acid in increasing maternal blood folate
concentrations throughout pregnancy, and we will evaluate outcomes related to fetal growth
and human milk folate composition. Our results will help to confirm the safety and effectiveness
of prenatal supplements containing 5-MTHF. This study is funded by the Canadian Institutes of
Health Research (2023 Fall Project Grant).

Skills & qualifications:
• Knowledge related to perinatal nutrition, folate/B-vitamins, one carbon metabolism,
pregnancy physiology, fetal growth, and/or human milk
• Clinical trial experience, as evidenced by relevant academic training and scholarly
outputs (e.g., peer-reviewed publications)
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently, find creative solutions, and meet deadlines
• Excellent writen (lay and scientific) and verbal communication skills
The search is ongoing as of Jan 2025, and will continue until candidates are selected.

Principal Investigators:

Dr. Kelsey Cochrane, PhD, RD
Assistant Professor
College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Division of Nutrition
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Dr. Crystal Karakochuk, PhD, RD
Associate Professor, Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Micronutrients and Human Health
Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Food, Nutrition, and Health
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia

documents/graduate/preface-phd.pdf