Folic acid
Synthetic form of folate, taken around conception to support development of the nervous system.
What the research shows
Shown repeatedly in humans, in reviews or meta-analyses.
The Cochrane review by De-Regil (2015) saw roughly 70 percent fewer neural tube defects with use around conception, with authors tied to organisations that run folate programmes themselves. Viswanathan (2017) reached the same conclusion for the US task force and found no signs of harm at the doses used. Outside that window this effect does not apply.
Who it makes sense for: Women trying to conceive and pregnant women up to and including week ten.
How we weigh evidenceClinical dosage
Scientific sources
The clinical dosages on this page are based on peer-reviewed research.
- Effects and safety of periconceptional oral folate supplementation for preventing birth defects.De-Regil LM et al. (2015)Funded by: Auteurs zijn verbonden aan de WHO en het Micronutrient Initiative, dat foliumzuurprogrammas uitvoert.
- Folic Acid Supplementation for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects: An Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.Viswanathan M et al. (2017)
We keep the dosages and values on this page as accurate as possible based on selected studies. New research may change these values. Nothing on this page is medical advice. If you have any doubts, always consult a doctor.