Which vitamin is crucial for the prevention of neural tube defects during pregnancy?

Folic acid is essential in preventing neural tube defects during pregnancy because it plays a significant role in DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation. The neural tube, which later develops into the brain and spinal cord, forms very early in pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Adequate levels of folic acid help ensure proper closure of the neural tube and significantly reduce the risk of defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

Health organizations recommend that women of childbearing age take folic acid supplements before conception and during the first trimester to optimize their levels and support fetal development. The timing and dosage of folic acid are critical, as the neural tube closes in the early weeks of pregnancy. This highlights the importance of folic acid in maternal health and its preventive role against serious congenital disabilities.