Folate prevents all birth defects
9.0Strong
evidence
evidence
The Claim
Many believe that taking folate during pregnancy completely prevents birth defects, especially neural tube defects. This belief stems from the well-documented role of folate in fetal development.
Origin
The myth likely originates from public health campaigns emphasizing the importance of folate in preventing certain birth defects, leading to an overgeneralization of its benefits.
What Science Says
Research, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies, shows that folate supplementation significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects by up to 70%. However, it does not prevent all types of birth defects. Other factors, such as genetics and environmental influences, also play a crucial role.
Verdict
Partially True
Sources
- PMID:38189492 Vitamin B12 supplementation during pregnancy for maternal and child health outcomes.
- PMID:35995050 Folic Acid and the Prevention of Birth Defects: 30 Years of Opportunity and Controversies.
- PMID:36321557 Folic acid supplementation and malaria susceptibility and severity among people taking antifolate antimalarial drugs in endemic areas.