Tag: Prenatal health

The MTHFR C677T polymorphism affects 10–15% of North American whites and 25% of Hispanics, impacting how the body processes folate and potentially leading to elevated homocysteine levels. This raises the critical question of whether individuals with MTHFR mutations should take synthetic folic acid or opt for the more bioavailable form, folate.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), since the U.S. began fortifying grain products with folic acid in 1998, the rate of neural tube defects has decreased by 36%. Taking folic acid offers wide-ranging health benefits that extend far beyond pregnancy, impacting everything from heart health to cognitive function.

According to the National Institutes of Health, while often used interchangeably, folate and folic acid are not the same thing, with one being the natural form and the other being a synthetic version. Understanding the difference is crucial for effective supplementation, particularly for people with specific genetic variations.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all women capable of becoming pregnant should get a specific amount of folic acid daily. This vital B vitamin, also known as folate, plays a crucial role in the body's cellular processes, but supplementation is especially important for certain populations to ensure adequate intake.

Approximately 40-60% of the population has genetic variations that impair the body's ability to convert synthetic folic acid into its active form, L-methylfolate. Taking L-methylfolate provides a bioavailable form of vitamin B9 that can be readily used by the body for critical functions, from DNA synthesis to regulating neurotransmitters.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and a leading cause of anemia. A highly effective way to address this deficiency and support overall blood health is by taking haemoglobin syrup, which replenishes vital iron and other nutrients.

According to the CDC, approximately 40-60% of people have a genetic variation that affects their body's ability to convert folic acid into its active form, L-methylfolate. This statistic underscores why understanding if it is better to take folate or methylfolate is crucial for effective supplementation. The choice hinges on your genetics and overall health, impacting everything from neural tube development to mental wellness.

According to the CDC, getting 400 micrograms of folic acid daily can help prevent a type of serious birth defects called neural tube defects. This essential B vitamin offers a wide array of health benefits beyond pregnancy, playing a critical role in cellular function and overall well-being.

Contrary to online misinformation, no single vitamin deficiency directly causes autism, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with both genetic and environmental factors. Research, however, has explored associations between certain nutritional deficits, particularly deficiencies in vitamin D and folate during prenatal periods, and a higher risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While these associations are significant, they do not establish direct causation and are part of a broader, more intricate puzzle.

According to the CDC, all women capable of becoming pregnant should get 400 mcg of folic acid daily to help prevent major birth defects. Taking a folate supplement provides numerous health advantages beyond prenatal support, contributing to cardiovascular wellness, cognitive function, and overall vitality.