Which vitamin is essential to prevent neural tube defects and is recommended during pregnancy?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin D
• C. Vitamin C
• D. Folic acid (folate)

Answer: (D)

Folate is needed in the very early stages of pregnancy for proper neural tube formation. Adequate folate intake before conception and in the first weeks of pregnancy lowers the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. That’s why prenatal care emphasizes folic acid supplementation—about 400 micrograms daily for most women, with higher doses (under medical supervision) for those at increased risk. Folate is found in leafy greens, beans, citrus fruits, and fortified foods. Other vitamins don’t have this specific protective effect, and high doses of vitamin A can actually harm fetal development. So the vitamin essential to prevent neural tube defects and recommended during pregnancy is folic acid (folate).