Final answer:
The Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is the primary agency that works to prevent birth defects through optimal nutrition during pregnancy, providing food assistance and promoting the intake of vital nutrients such as folate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The agency that primarily attempts to reduce birth defects through optimal nutrition during pregnancy is the Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This program assists expectant mothers by providing them with food vouchers, checks, or EBT to purchase specific nutritious foods which are vital for the healthy development of the fetus. Items such as cereal, eggs, milk, cheese, peanut butter, and beans are included, as well as infant formula for non-breastfeeding women.
The importance of adequate nutrition during pregnancy is highlighted by recommendations from the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine, which advises all those who might become pregnant to consume at least 400 µg/day of folate from supplements or fortified foods. Folate is crucial because it helps prevent birth defects, including neural tube defects, and supports the rapid growth of the placenta and fetus.