What is the most important prenatal supplement recommended for expectant mothers?

Folic acid is considered the most important prenatal supplement for expectant mothers due to its critical role in reducing the risk of neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, can occur very early in pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. Folic acid is vital for proper cellular division and DNA synthesis, which are essential during the early stages of fetal development.

Health organizations recommend that women who are planning to become pregnant and those who are already pregnant should take a daily supplement of folic acid, typically in a dosage of 400 to 800 micrograms. This recommendation is supported by substantial evidence linking folic acid supplementation to lower rates of these defects, making it a fundamental aspect of prenatal care.

While iron, calcium, and vitamin D are also important nutrients during pregnancy, they primarily support other aspects of maternal and fetal health. Iron helps prevent anemia, calcium is crucial for bone health, and vitamin D aids in calcium absorption and immune function. However, none of these have the same critical preventive role in early fetal neural development as folic acid does.