Which one of the B vitamins is especially important for women of childbearing age to prevent neural tube defects?

The B vitamin that’s especially important for women of childbearing age is folic acid, also known as vitamin B9. Doctors recommend it because the baby’s neural tube (which later becomes the brain and spinal cord) forms very early in pregnancy, before a woman even knows she’s pregnant.

When folic acid levels are too low during this stage, the neural tube may not close properly. That’s what leads to neural tube defects like spina bifida. Getting enough folic acid ahead of time gives the body a steady supply so the baby’s development starts on the right track.

That’s why most guidelines suggest women who could become pregnant take a daily folic acid supplement and include folate-rich foods in their diet. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.