Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B9 (calcium methylfolate)
For the health condition: Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)

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Synopsis

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

Vitamin B9, also known as folate or folic acid, is scientifically validated for use in pregnancy. The specific form, calcium methylfolate (L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate), is a bioactive version of folate used in dietary supplements, particularly for individuals who have difficulty converting folic acid to its active form. Numerous high-quality clinical studies and health guidelines from organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) support folate supplementation before and during early pregnancy.

Folate is essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and fetal growth. Its most significant role in pregnancy is the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Supplementation with folate before conception and during the first trimester has been shown to reduce the risk of NTDs by up to 70%. For this reason, health authorities universally recommend that women of childbearing age take 400–800 mcg of folate daily, starting at least one month before conception and continuing through the first trimester.

Calcium methylfolate is considered effective and safe, and may be preferable for those with genetic variants (such as MTHFR mutations) that impair folic acid metabolism. Overall, the use of vitamin B9 (including calcium methylfolate) in pregnancy is supported by extensive scientific evidence and is considered a critical public health intervention.

More about Vitamin B9 (calcium methylfolate)
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