Final answer:
Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is crucial for preventing neural tube defects in developing fetuses, and is therefore especially important for women of childbearing age. A daily intake of at least 400 µg/day is recommended to reduce the risk of birth defects like spina bifida and anencephaly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Importance of Folic Acid for Women of Childbearing Age:
The B vitamin that is especially important for women of childbearing age to prevent neural tube defects is folate (vitamin B9). It is essential for the healthy development of the neural tube, which is the precursor to the central nervous system comprising the brain and spinal cord. A deficiency in folate can lead to serious birth defects the most common ones being spina bifida and anencephaly. To reduce the risk of such defects it is recommended that women who might become pregnant consume at least 400 µg/day of folate from supplements or fortified foods.
Leafy green vegetables whole wheat, fruits, nuts and legumes are natural food sources rich in folate. Getting sufficient folate is not only important for preventing neural tube defects but also for preventing anemia during pregnancy. The intake of folate is most critical during the early stages of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant which is why folate supplementation is recommended for women of childbearing age.