Synopsis

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

Vitamin B9 (5-Methyltetrahydrofolate, or 5-MTHF) is the biologically active form of folate, an essential B vitamin. Its use in pregnancy is strongly supported by scientific evidence. Folate is crucial for DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation, and adequate levels are necessary for proper fetal neural tube development. Deficiency in maternal folate is well-established as a leading risk factor for neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

Clinical guidelines worldwide, including those from the CDC, WHO, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, recommend folic acid supplementation for women planning pregnancy and during early gestation. While folic acid is the synthetic form commonly used in supplements, 5-MTHF is the predominant circulating form in the body and may be especially beneficial for individuals with genetic polymorphisms (such as MTHFR mutations) that impair folic acid metabolism.

Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that periconceptional supplementation with folate or its active forms significantly reduces the risk of NTDs. 5-MTHF is considered as effective as, and potentially safer than, folic acid in certain populations because it bypasses metabolic steps required to convert folic acid to the active form. Thus, the use of Vitamin B9 (5-MTHF) in pregnancy is based on robust scientific validation.

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