Which vitamin is crucial for preventing neural tube defects in the developing fetus?

Folic acid is essential for preventing neural tube defects in the developing fetus because it plays a critical role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the development of the neural tube. During the early stages of pregnancy, especially in the first trimester when the neural tube is forming, adequate levels of folic acid can significantly reduce the risk of defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

Recommendations by health organizations generally advise women of childbearing age to consume enough folic acid through diet and supplementation, ideally beginning before conception and continuing in early pregnancy, to ensure it is available in sufficient quantities during the crucial periods of fetal development. This preventive measure has been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of neural tube defects worldwide.

While vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin A are important for overall health and play roles in various bodily functions, they do not have the same specific association with the prevention of neural tube defects as folic acid does.