Tag: Congenital heart defects

Studies have shown that mothers with lower folate levels during pregnancy have a higher risk of having a child with a congenital heart defect (CHD). While the link between folic acid and preventing neural tube defects (NTDs) is well-established, its specific effect on heart defects requires a closer look at the available research.

According to a 2022 meta-analysis, maternal periconceptional folic acid supplementation was significantly associated with a 21% reduced risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs) in high-income countries. This builds on strong evidence for preventing neural tube defects (NTDs). So, **can folic acid prevent heart defects** and how crucial is it for overall fetal development?