Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B12
For the health condition: Miscarriage (prevention)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin B12 is sometimes considered in the context of miscarriage prevention due to its essential role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the maintenance of healthy neurological function. Scientific interest in B12 and pregnancy outcomes is mostly based on its involvement in homocysteine metabolism. Elevated homocysteine levels (hyperhomocysteinemia), which can result from B12 deficiency, have been associated in some studies with increased risk of early pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. Vitamin B12, along with folate, helps regulate homocysteine levels.

However, direct clinical evidence that B12 supplementation specifically prevents miscarriage in the general population is limited. Most research has focused on the association between low B12 (and high homocysteine) and miscarriage risk, rather than demonstrating that supplementation directly reduces miscarriage rates. Some studies suggest that women with recurrent pregnancy loss have a higher prevalence of B12 deficiency, but causality is not established. Current medical guidelines do not recommend routine B12 supplementation solely for miscarriage prevention unless a deficiency is identified.

In summary, while there is a plausible biological rationale and some observational data linking B12 deficiency to miscarriage risk, robust clinical evidence supporting its use for miscarriage prevention is lacking. Supplementation may be justified for women diagnosed with deficiency, but not for all women as a miscarriage prevention strategy.

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