Updated Resources on Folate, Folic Acid, Neural Tube Defects and MTHFR Gene Variants in TTC and Pregnancy

By
Shannon M. Clark, MD
|
November 23, 2022
Updated Resources on Folate, Folic Acid, Neural Tube Defects and MTHFR Gene Variants in TTC and Pregnancy

Please click on this link to a Google document to get updated info on folate, folic acid, neural tube defects and MTHFR gene variants in TTC and pregnancy. This document contains numerous resources and links to scientific articles for your review.

The following topics are addressed:

  • Summary of vitamins and minerals needed in pregnancy, and my recommendations for prenatal vitamins
  • What is folic acid (FA)?
  • Are folate and folic acid the same thing?
  • What does DV (daily value) and dietary folate equivalents (DFE) for folate mean and how do I read the nutrition/supplements facts label?
  • What is the recommended daily amount of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects?
  • How can I get folic acid?
  • Why arent other forms of folate used in food fortification?
  • What can happen with folate deficiency in pregnancy?
  • What is blood folate concentration?
  • Who needs a higher dose of folic acid?
  • Can I take another form of folate to prevent neural tube defects?
  • What do I need to do if I have a baby with a neural tube defect?
  • Can my baby still have a neural tube defect even if I take folic acid?
  • Does folic acid help prevent any other birth defects?
  • What is unmetabolized folic acid?
  • Is folic acid safe to take in pregnancy?
  • Does folic acid mask vitamin b12 deficiency?
  • What is the MTHFR gene variant?
  • Can people with MTHFR gene variants take folic acid?
  • Who recommends folic acid for neural tube defect prevention?
  • What do medical organizations say about MTHFR gene variants?
  • MTHFR gene variants, folic acid and tongue tie
  • Folic acid and epigenetic alterations
  • Folic acid and neurocognitive development
  • Does folic acid cause pediatric respiratory and allergic diseases?
  • Does FA supplementation increase rate of twinning?
  • Dangers of the designer PNV and online misinformation

You can also go to my Instagram for more info under my "folic acid 1, 2, and 3" highlights, as well as my "MTHFR" highlight.

Shannon M. Clark, MD

Shannon M. Clark, MD

Shannon M. Clark, MD, MMS is a double board certified ObGyn and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist, and founder of Babies After 35. In her roles as a clinician, educator and researcher at UTMB-Galveston, she focuses on the care of people with maternal and/or fetal complications of pregnancy. Dr. Clark has taken a special interest in pregnancy after the age of 35, which according to age alone, is considered a high-risk pregnancy.

Follow Shannon on TikTok @tiktokbabydoc, Facebook @babiesafter35, and Instagram @babiesafter35.

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