# MTHFR Gene and Folic Acid - Author: **CDC** - Document Tags: [[Health Index]], [[MTHFR]] - [URL link](https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/mthfr-gene-and-folic-acid.html)  ## Highlights - Folic acid is the only type of folate shown to help prevent neural tube defects ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hagpy8gp10fjqkmmccmbby6m)) --- - No scientific studies exist that show that supplements containing other types of folate (such as 5-MTHF) can help prevent neural tube defects. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hagpyfytbtemgvxmay6fgp00)) --- - In fact, there are more people in the United States who have one or two copies of the *MTHFR* C677T variant than people who do not have it ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hagptvhnq3qc1ccvxzntb4ag)) --- - You may have seen the *MTHFR* C677T variant referred to as a “[gene mutation](https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/about/basics.htm#mutation);” however, the word, “mutation,” usually refers to a change in the gene that is much less common. It is more accurate to refer to *MTHFR* C677T as a “gene variant.” ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hagpt95yegxhregytsw74qz9)) --- - consume 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid each day ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hagpw459x95kvcprq5zt86td)) --- - The length of time folic acid is consumed before becoming pregnant ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hagpwef1rt88cf3eeagda8mf)) ---