Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B9 (folic acid/folate)
For the health condition: Birth Defects (prevention)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5

Vitamin B9, known as folic acid (synthetic form) or folate (natural form), is firmly supported by scientific evidence for the prevention of certain birth defects, particularly neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Multiple large-scale epidemiological studies and randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that adequate periconceptional intake of folic acid significantly reduces the risk of NTDs. Based on this evidence, public health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), recommend that women of childbearing age consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, beginning at least one month before conception and continuing through the first trimester of pregnancy.

Mandatory folic acid fortification of certain foods (such as flour and cereals) in several countries has led to a marked decrease in the incidence of NTDs. Clinical guidelines worldwide strongly endorse folic acid supplementation for women planning pregnancy, as many pregnancies are unplanned and neural tube closure occurs very early (within the first 28 days of gestation). The mechanism of action is well understood: folate is essential for DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation, processes critical during rapid fetal cell division and organ formation. In summary, the use of vitamin B9 for birth defect prevention is one of the most well-established and evidence-based practices in nutritional science and public health.

More about Vitamin B9 (folic acid/folate)
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