Which vitamin is known to help prevent spina bifida during pregnancy?

The vitamin known to help prevent spina bifida during pregnancy is Vitamin B9, commonly referred to as folic acid. Folic acid is crucial for the proper development of a fetus and plays a vital role in the formation of the neural tube, which develops into the brain and spinal cord. Adequate intake of folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects, including spina bifida.

Folic acid is recommended for women who are planning to become pregnant and those who are already pregnant, as it contributes to the healthy cellular division and growth necessary for fetal development. This preventive action is particularly important during the early stages of pregnancy when the neural tube is forming, typically within the first four to six weeks after conception.

Other vitamins, while they are important for overall health and development, do not have the same specific protective effect against spina bifida as folic acid does.