Which nutrient is crucial for preventing neural tube defects during pregnancy?

Folic acid is critical in preventing neural tube defects during pregnancy because it plays a vital role in the proper development of the neural tube in the developing fetus. Neural tube defects occur when the neural tube, which eventually forms the brain and spinal cord, fails to close completely. Adequate intake of folic acid before conception and during the early stages of pregnancy is associated with a significantly reduced risk of these types of defects.

Most health organizations recommend that women who are planning to become pregnant take folic acid supplements, in addition to obtaining it from dietary sources. This recommendation is based on extensive research indicating that folic acid can help reduce the incidence of these congenital disabilities.

Other nutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamin D are also important during pregnancy, supporting overall maternal and fetal health, but they do not have the specific protective effect against neural tube defects that folic acid has demonstrated. Calcium is essential for bone health, iron is crucial for preventing anemia, and vitamin D supports bone development and immune function, but none of them directly influences neural tube closure in the way that folic acid does.