Final answer:
Health experts recommend a daily intake of folate for women who may become pregnant to prevent neural tube defects and promote normal fetal development. Folate is critical for cell development and the metabolism of nucleic and amino acids during pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends that women of reproductive age who might become pregnant should consume at least 400 µg/day of folate from supplements or fortified foods. This recommendation is based on the vital role that folate, one of the B vitamins, plays in the healthy development of the neural tube during fetal development. Adequate folate intake is crucial in the early stages of pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Folate also assists in the normal development of cells and helps metabolize nucleic and amino acids, which are essential for the growing fetus.
Prenatal care is important as it monitors the health of both the mother and fetus. Women are advised to avoid toxins and ensure sufficient intake of vital nutrients like folic acid, calcium, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids for normal fetal growth and development. Particularly, folic acid supplementation before and during early pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of neurological birth defects.