Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B9 (folic acid)
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 folic acid (in its synthetic form) or folate (in its natural form), is supported by robust scientific evidence for the prevention of certain birth defects, specifically neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Multiple large-scale clinical studies and comprehensive public health reviews have demonstrated a clear link between adequate maternal folic acid intake before conception and during early pregnancy and a significant reduction in the risk of NTDs. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and numerous other health authorities recommend that women of childbearing age consume at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. This recommendation is based on randomized controlled trials and population-level evidence showing a 50-70% reduction in neural tube defects when adequate folic acid is consumed. Many countries have implemented mandatory folic acid fortification of cereal grains, which has led to a substantial decrease in the incidence of NTDs. The biological mechanism involves folate’s critical role in DNA synthesis and cell division, processes that are especially vital during early fetal development. This scientific validation makes folic acid one of the best-established examples of a nutrient intervention for the prevention of a specific congenital condition.

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