Which vitamin is essential in preventing neural tube defects in infants?

Folic acid is essential in preventing neural tube defects in infants because it plays a critical role in DNA synthesis and cell division, which is vital during the early stages of fetal development. Adequate folic acid intake before and during pregnancy has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. This is why health professionals often recommend that women who are planning to conceive or are in early pregnancy take supplements containing folic acid.

While other vitamins like Vitamin D, Niacin, and Vitamin C have their own important roles in the body—such as supporting bone health, metabolic processes, and immune function, respectively—none of them have the same established connection to preventing neural tube defects as folic acid does. Therefore, the emphasis on folic acid during pregnancy is a key guideline in prenatal care to ensure healthy fetal development.