Research
Micronutrients & recovery
Preconception folic acid supplementation significantly reduces the risk of recurrent neural tube defects by approximately 69%.
If you are planning to conceive, start taking folic acid immediately. The neural tube closes very early, often before you know you are pregnant. This supplement is the most effective way to prevent serious birth defects like neural tube defects. If your pregnancy is unplanned, rely on food fortification as a backup, but do not wait to start supplements once you find out.
StrongSupportsHIGH confidence
The results from three randomized double-blind placebo-controlled studies yield a 69% reduced risk (RR of 0.31, 95% CI 0.14-0.66) for recurrent NTDs with periconceptional folic acid supplementation.
Why this rating
Based on multiple randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials and meta-analyses.
Source
Preconception care: nutritional risks and interventions
Sohni V Dean et al. · Reproductive Health · 2014
Meta-analysis · 146 studiesCited 282×
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