Final answer:
Adequate folic acid intake before and during pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects
Step-by-step explanation:
Adequate folic acid intake before and during pregnancy has been found to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Folic acid, also known as folate, is an important B vitamin that plays a crucial role in the healthy development of the neural tube in early pregnancy. A deficiency of folic acid during this time can result in birth defects where the spinal tissue protrudes through the newborn's vertebral column or a partial/complete absence of brain tissue.