Folic acid supplementation before conception prevents neural tube defects
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 97/100
Extensive scientific and clinical evidence consistently demonstrates that periconceptional folic acid supplementation significantly prevents the occurrence and recurrence of neural tube defects.
Evidence for · 9
Prevention of the First Occurrence of Neural-Tube Defects by Periconceptional Vitamin Supplementation
1992 · cited by 3,214
Demonstrated that periconceptional multivitamin supplementation containing folic acid significantly reduces the first occurrence of neural-tube defects.
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More for · 8
Effects and safety of periconceptional oral folate supplementation for preventing birth defects
2015 · cited by 782
A Cochrane review concluding that daily folic acid supplementation has a protective effect in preventing neural tube defects.
Folic acid to reduce neonatal mortality from neural tube disorders
2010 · cited by 507
Indicates that folic acid supplementation and fortification effectively reduce neural tube defects and associated mortality.
Folate Deficiency and Folic Acid Supplementation: The Prevention of Neural-Tube Defects and Congenital Heart Defects
2013 · cited by 348
Highlighted that periconceptional folic acid multivitamin supplementation prevented a major proportion of neural-tube defects.
Folic Acid Supplementation for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects
2017 · cited by 346
The USPSTF recommendation confirming that daily periconceptional folic acid supplementation prevents neural tube defects with substantial net benefit.
Periconceptional folic acid and multivitamin supplementation for the prevention of neural tube defects and other congenital abnormalities
2009 · cited by 126
Found a high reduction of primary neural tube defects following periconceptional folic acid and multivitamin supplementation.
Periconceptional Folic Acid-Containing Multivitamin Supplementation for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects and Cardiovascular Malformations
2011 · cited by 22
Affirms that the prevention of neural tube defects with periconceptional folic acid supplementation is accepted by the scientific community.
Best Evidence Summary of Folic Acid Supplementation for Prevention of Neural Tube Defects in Women of Childbearing Age.
2026 · cited by 0
Summarized best evidence establishing that initiating folic acid supplementation before conception prevents neural tube defects.
Morphological Variants and Factors Associated With Neural Tube Defects at a Regional Referral Hospital.
2026 · cited by 0
Identified a lack of folic acid supplementation as a significant risk factor associated with neural tube defects.