Why are birth defects often seen in babies who do not get enough folic acid?

Folic acid is crucial for the proper development of a baby's neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord during early pregnancy. Insufficient folic acid can lead to neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Additionally, folic acid plays a role in DNA synthesis and cell division, making it essential for overall fetal growth and development. Therefore, a lack of this vital nutrient can increase the risk of various birth defects.