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

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Synopsis

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

Folinic acid (also known as 5-formyltetrahydrofolate) is a biologically active form of folate (vitamin B9). There is robust scientific evidence supporting the use of folate supplementation to prevent certain birth defects, particularly neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida and anencephaly. The preventive effect is primarily attributed to folic acid, the synthetic form of folate, but folinic acid is used in specific clinical scenarios, such as in individuals with genetic disorders affecting folate metabolism (e.g., MTHFR mutations), or in patients who cannot properly utilize folic acid. Multiple large-scale randomized controlled trials and observational studies have demonstrated that periconceptional folate supplementation substantially reduces the incidence of NTDs. Public health guidelines worldwide recommend that women of childbearing age take folic acid supplements before and during early pregnancy to prevent these defects. Folinic acid is sometimes used as an alternative for those who do not respond to or cannot metabolize folic acid effectively. In summary, the use of vitamin B9 (folinic acid) for the prevention of birth defects is grounded in strong scientific evidence, especially regarding neural tube defect prevention. Its use is well-established in clinical guidelines and supported by decades of research.

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