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

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Synopsis

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

Vitamin B9, also known as folate or folic acid (when synthetic), is supported by robust scientific evidence for the prevention of certain birth defects, particularly neural tube defects (NTDs) like spina bifida and anencephaly. Decades of epidemiological research and randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that sufficient maternal folate status before conception and during early pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of these congenital anomalies. The biological mechanism involves folate’s critical role in DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation, which are essential processes during rapid cell division and organ development in early embryogenesis.

Based on this scientific foundation, numerous health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommend that women of childbearing age consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, starting at least one month before conception and during the first trimester. Mandatory folic acid fortification of certain foods has been implemented in several countries and has led to measurable declines in NTD prevalence. The effectiveness and safety of this intervention are well-documented, making it a model example of a nutrient used for a preventive public health purpose, with clear scientific validation and a high level of evidence.

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