5/5
Strong
evidence
Pregnancy & deficiency support evidence brief
Folic acid
Folic acid has one of the clearest supplement use cases: preventing neural tube defects when taken before and during early pregnancy.
Headline Finding
CDC and USPSTF recommend 400-800 mcg/day folic acid for people capable of pregnancy to reduce neural tube defect risk.
Dose Context
Common public-health guidance is 400 mcg/day folic acid for people who could become pregnant, with individualized dosing for higher-risk situations.
Important Caveat
This is life-stage prevention evidence, not a general energy or gym supplement. Pregnancy planning and high-risk history should be discussed with a clinician.
Source Drawer
Linked Research
- Review NIH ODS folate fact sheet
- Review CDC folic acid overview
- Review CDC clinical facts
- Safety CDC folic acid safety
- Review Periconceptional folate review
- Review USPSTF recommendation
How To Read This Rating
The score reflects evidence that the supplement does its stated job. Some jobs are direct, such as strength, endurance, or recovery; others are indirect, such as sleep, mood, appetite, or health support. A real effect can still receive a cautious practical rating when dose, safety, product quality, or audience fit remain uncertain.
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