Which nutrient is especially important for pregnant women?

Folic acid is particularly important for pregnant women because it plays a crucial role in the development of the neural tube in the fetus, which eventually becomes the brain and spinal cord. Adequate folic acid intake before conception and during early pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects. This vitamin helps support rapid cell division and growth, which are essential during the early stages of pregnancy when the foundations for the baby's nervous system are being established.

In addition to its role in neural development, folic acid may also contribute to a healthier pregnancy and is essential for the formation of healthy red blood cells, which can be particularly beneficial as the blood volume increases in pregnant women. For these reasons, health professionals often recommend that women who are planning to become pregnant or are already pregnant take a daily supplement of folic acid.