Evidence supporting the use of: Folate
For the health condition: Miscarriage (prevention)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Folate (vitamin B9) is scientifically validated as an important nutrient in pregnancy, with a primary role in preventing neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Regarding miscarriage prevention, the evidence is more nuanced. Several observational studies indicate that women with adequate folate intake before and during early pregnancy have a lower risk of miscarriage compared to those with low folate levels. Folate is crucial for DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation—processes vital for proper embryonic development and placental function. Deficiencies in folate can lead to abnormal cell division and compromised placental health, both of which increase the risk of miscarriage.

However, most of the data supporting folate for miscarriage prevention are associative rather than causative. Randomized controlled trials specifically investigating the effect of folate supplementation on miscarriage rates are limited, and the results are mixed. Some studies suggest a protective effect, while others do not find a significant reduction in miscarriage risk solely due to folate supplementation. Despite these ambiguities, folate is recommended as standard prenatal care due to its well-established benefits for fetal development and safety profile. Thus, while folate is not a guaranteed preventive for miscarriage, there is moderate scientific rationale and indirect evidence supporting its role in reducing risk, meriting a rating of 3 out of 5.

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