Which vitamin is vital to take while pregnant to prevent Spina Bifida?

Folic acid, a B-vitamin, is crucial during pregnancy, particularly in the early stages when the fetal neural tube, which develops into the spine and brain, is forming. Adequate intake of folic acid has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects, including spina bifida. It is recommended that women who are planning to become pregnant or are in the early stages of pregnancy take a daily supplement of folic acid, often in the amount of 400 micrograms. This preventative measure is effective in promoting healthy fetal development and is a key aspect of prenatal care.

While vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 are important for overall health and play various roles during pregnancy, they do not have the same specific evidence supporting their use in preventing spina bifida as folic acid does. Therefore, focusing on folic acid is essential for reducing the risk of this serious condition during prenatal development.