Vitamins >> Vitamin B12 - Neural tube Defects

Neural tube defects

Neural tube defects (NTD) may result in anencephaly or spina bifida, devastating and sometimes fatal birth defects. The defects occur between the 21st and 27th days after conception, a time when many women do not realize they are pregnant.

Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated 60% to 100% reductions in NTD cases when women consumed folic acid supplements in addition to a varied diet during the month before and the month after conception. Increasing evidence indicates that the homocysteine-lowering effect of folic acid plays a critical role in lowering the risk of NTD.

Homocysteine may accumulate in the blood when there is inadequate folate and/or vitamin B₁₂ for effective functioning of the methionine synthase enzyme. Decreased vitamin B₁₂ levels in the blood and amniotic fluid of pregnant women have been associated with an increased risk of NTD, suggesting that adequate vitamin B₁₂ intake in addition to folic acid may be beneficial in the prevention of NTD. 

See also:

• Vitamin B12: Cobalamin Information, Benefits of Vitamin B12

• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Pernicious anemia

• Vitamin B12: Homocysteine and Cardiovascular Diseases

• Vitamin B12 and Cancer

• Vitamin B12 and Breast Cancer

• Vitamin B12 - Neural tube Defects

• Vitamin B12 - Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

• Vitamin B12 and Depression

• Vitamin B12 Functions: Cofactor for methionine synthase

• Vitamin B12 - Safety

• Vitamin B12 - Food sources & Supplements

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