Final answer:
Women who are capable of becoming pregnant should consume 400 µg of folic acid daily to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Folic acid is essential during early pregnancy for healthy cell division and neural tube formation, and the preventive intake is recommended due to the critical development period before many women realize they're pregnant.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine advises women capable of becoming pregnant to consume at least 400 micrograms (µg) of folic acid daily from supplements or fortified foods. This recommendation is made to ensure the prevention of certain birth defects associated with folic acid deficiency, notably neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. These defects occur during the early stages of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant, which is why consistent folic acid intake is crucial for women of reproductive age.
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, plays a significant role in cell division and the formation of neural tissue. Its availability during the first few weeks of pregnancy, when the neural tube is forming, can reduce the likelihood of malformations. This is particularly vital since the developing fetus fully depends on the mother for all nutrients, and deficits in maternal nutrition can have immediate and long-lasting effects on the child's health. As a result, along with prenatal care, folic acid consumption is a preventative health measure. Consuming the recommended amount of folic acid daily can offer a protective effect against birth defects that have lifelong consequences.