Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B9 (unspecified)
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 (in its synthetic form), is strongly supported by scientific evidence for use during pregnancy. Adequate folate intake is critical for fetal neural tube development, which occurs in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Multiple large-scale clinical trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that periconceptional supplementation with folic acid significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Based on this evidence, health authorities worldwide, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), recommend that women of reproductive age consume 400–800 micrograms of folic acid daily, starting before conception and continuing through at least the first trimester.

Folic acid supplementation has also been associated with a reduced risk of other pregnancy complications, including certain congenital heart defects and preterm birth, although the evidence for these outcomes is less robust. The scientific consensus on folic acid’s effectiveness and safety for preventing neural tube defects is among the strongest for any nutrient supplement in pregnancy. As such, folic acid is typically included in prenatal vitamins, and in many countries, staple foods such as flour are fortified with folic acid to ensure adequate population intake.

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