An important vitamin for the prevention of neural tube defects in general, and Spina Bifida in particular, is folic acid (the synthetic form) and folates (the natural form).
It is important to take the necessary dose of folic acid before conception. While you can get this through a regular diet, the amount is insufficient to prevent Spina Bifida, making an additional folic acid supplement a must for women who wish to become pregnant.
Literature shows that a normal healthy diet provides an intake of 217 mcg of folates per day. For prevention, an intake of at least 400 to 800 mcg per day is recommended until 14 days after conception.
It is therefore necessary to inform your GP if you are planning to get pregnant and to take extra folic acid.
Scientific research is still ongoing regarding the potential negative effects of folic acid intake. However, the potential negative effects appear limited compared to the risk of not taking folic acid.
Folic acid content of some nutrients (expressed in micrograms per 100g):
