Calcium folinate (also known as folinic acid) is a bioactive form of Vitamin B9 and is closely related to folic acid. The use of folate (including folinic acid) in pregnancy is strongly supported by scientific evidence. Adequate folate intake before conception and during early pregnancy is well-established as critical for the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida and anencephaly in the developing fetus. Numerous randomized controlled trials and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that folic acid supplementation reduces the risk of these birth defects. Folinic acid, while less commonly used than folic acid, is particularly important for women who have issues with folic acid metabolism (such as those with MTHFR gene mutations) since it bypasses certain metabolic steps.

Major health organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), recommend folic acid supplementation for all women of childbearing age who may become pregnant. While folic acid is the standard, folinic acid (calcium folinate) may be clinically indicated in specific circumstances, such as in patients with impaired folic acid metabolism or those receiving medications (like methotrexate) that interfere with folate.

In summary, the use of Vitamin B9 (including calcium folinate) to support a healthy pregnancy and prevent neural tube defects is based on robust scientific evidence and is a widely accepted medical practice.