Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B9 (calcium methyltetrahydrofolate)
For the health condition: Birth Defects (prevention)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5
Vitamin B9, also known as folate or folic acid, is well-established in scientific literature for its critical role in the prevention of birth defects, particularly neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Calcium methyltetrahydrofolate is a bioactive, stable, and highly bioavailable form of folate that is increasingly used in supplements and prenatal vitamins as an alternative to synthetic folic acid. Multiple large-scale randomized controlled trials, epidemiological studies, and meta-analyses have demonstrated that adequate maternal folate intake before conception and during early pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of NTDs in newborns. This evidence has led to widespread public health policies recommending folic acid supplementation for women of childbearing age and the fortification of foods with folic acid in many countries. Calcium methyltetrahydrofolate, as a direct source of the biologically active folate, provides the same preventive benefits and may be especially beneficial for individuals with genetic polymorphisms (such as MTHFR mutations) that impair the conversion of folic acid to its active form. Therefore, the use of vitamin B9 (particularly in its active forms) for the prevention of birth defects is strongly supported by scientific research and is a standard part of prenatal care recommendations globally.
More about Vitamin B9 (calcium methyltetrahydrofolate)
More about Birth Defects (prevention)
Other ingredients used for Birth Defects (prevention)
cholinefolate
iodine
omega-3 fatty acids
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin D
Zinc
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
folinic acid
folic acid
Other health conditions supported by Vitamin B9 (calcium methyltetrahydrofolate)
AnemiaBirth Defects (prevention)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Depression
Infertility
Memory and Brain Function
Miscarriage (prevention)
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)