Answer:
The vitamin that dramatically reduces neural tube defects is folic acid, which is a synthetic form of folate (vitamin B9).
Step-by-step explanation:
It is important to be taking folic acid before getting pregnant because the neural tube, which develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord, closes within the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman even realizes she is pregnant. By the time a pregnancy is confirmed, it may be too late to provide sufficient folic acid for the neural tube development.
Taking folic acid supplements before conception and during the early stages of pregnancy ensures that there is an adequate supply of folate in the mother's body, promoting the proper development of the neural tube and reducing the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Therefore, it is recommended for women of childbearing age to take folic acid regularly, even if they are not planning to get pregnant, to ensure that they have adequate levels of this essential nutrient when conception occurs.