Which supplement is recommended during reproductive years to reduce neural tube defect risk?

Which supplement is recommended during reproductive years to reduce neural tube defect risk?

• A. Folate
• B. Iron
• C. Vitamin A
• D. Calcium with Vitamin D

Answer: (A)

Folate supplementation is the choice that lowers neural tube defect risk because the neural tube forms very early in pregnancy, often before many women know they’re pregnant. Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and rapid cell division that are needed for proper neural tube closure. That’s why clinicians recommend taking folic acid daily for women of childbearing potential, starting before conception and continuing through the first trimester. The other options support different aspects of health during pregnancy—iron helps prevent maternal anemia, calcium with vitamin D supports bone health, and Vitamin A is important but excessive preconception or early pregnancy can cause birth defects—yet none specifically reduce neural tube defect risk.

Folate supplementation is the choice that lowers neural tube defect risk because the neural tube forms very early in pregnancy, often before many women know they’re pregnant. Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and rapid cell division that are needed for proper neural tube closure. That’s why clinicians recommend taking folic acid daily for women of childbearing potential, starting before conception and continuing through the first trimester. The other options support different aspects of health during pregnancy—iron helps prevent maternal anemia, calcium with vitamin D supports bone health, and Vitamin A is important but excessive preconception or early pregnancy can cause birth defects—yet none specifically reduce neural tube defect risk.