What dietary component should pregnant women increase to reduce the risk of neural tube defects?

Pregnant women should increase their intake of folic acid, as this B vitamin plays a critical role in the proper development of the fetal neural tube. The neural tube forms in the first few weeks of pregnancy and develops into the baby's brain and spine. An adequate supply of folic acid is essential because it helps in the formation and closure of the neural tube. Insufficient levels of folic acid during early pregnancy can lead to serious congenital defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

Health guidelines recommend that women planning to become pregnant should take a daily supplement of folic acid and consume foods rich in this nutrient to minimize the risk of these defects. This includes foods such as leafy greens, legumes, nuts, and fortified cereals. While other nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamin D are also important during pregnancy for overall maternal and fetal health, they are not specifically linked to the prevention of neural tube defects as folic acid is.