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

Shannon M. Clark, MD
November 23, 2022

*Updated 6/2024

The misinformation on social media concerning folate, folic acid and MTHFR gene variants is rampant. Please click on this link to a Google document I out together 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 aren't 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

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My recommendations for prenatal vitamins are:

  • Nature Made Prenatal Multi + Dha, 200mg
    • ADD CHOLINE
  • One A Day Prenatal Advanced Complete Multivitamin with Brain Support with Choline, Folic Acid, Omega-3 DHA & Iron
  • Gummies
    • GUMMY PNV Typically don’t have iron. Because of their design, they cannot carry enough of the ingredients necessary for supplmentation. THEY should be TAKEN AS a last resort.
    • Nature Made Prenatal Gummies with DHA & Folic Acid
      • add iron 
    • Vitafusionsome text
      • add choline & iron
  • One A Day Prenatal Multivitamin Gummies
    • ADD CHOLINE & IRON
  • VEGETARIAN
    • Rainbow Light Prenatal One Daily Multivitamin, Non-GMO, Vegetarian & Gluten Freesome text
      • ADD DHA
  • VEGANsome text
    • Deva vegan prenatal
      • add DHA

You can also go to my Instagram for more info under my "folic acid 1, 2, 3 and 4" highlights, as well as my "MTHFR" highlight.

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Folic acid
MTHFR
Neural tube defects

Frequently Asked Questions

What are your qualifications?

I am a double board certified ObGyn and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist. I have worked at a large academic center in academic medicine as a clinician, educator and researcher since 2004.  I am currently a tenured Professor and actively manage patients with high-risk pregnancies.

How can I contact you for a collaboration, interview or other opportunity?
Please send me an email.
Can you debunk this social media post I saw?

The best way to contact me about debunking social media content is to send that content to me in a DM on my Instagram account @babiesafter35. You can also email me.

Do you do private consults? Can I get you to review my medical records?

I do not do private consults or review medical records submitted by patients.

Do you accept submissions for articles on your website?

Yes! Please email me for more info.