Final answer:
Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in fetal development. The Food and Nutrition Board recommends that all women who might become pregnant consume at least 400 µg/day of folate from supplements or fortified foods to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Supplements and fortified foods are recommended because it can be difficult to obtain enough folate .
Step-by-step explanation:
The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends that all women who might become pregnant consume at least 400 µg/day of folate from supplements or fortified foods. Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in fetal development.
During pregnancy, folate is necessary for the growth and division of cells, especially in the early stages when the neural tube is forming. A deficiency in folate can lead to neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
Supplements and fortified foods are recommended because it can be difficult to obtain enough folate through diet alone. By ensuring an adequate intake of folate, the risk of neural tube defects can be reduced.