Which nutrient is critical during pregnancy for fetal neural development?

Folic acid is a crucial nutrient during pregnancy, especially for fetal neural development. It plays a significant role in the formation of the neural tube, which eventually develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord. Adequate folic acid intake before conception and during the early stages of pregnancy helps prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. This is why healthcare providers often recommend that women of childbearing age take folic acid supplements to ensure that they have sufficient levels when they conceive, as neural development begins early in pregnancy.

While other nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamin D are important for various aspects of maternal and fetal health, folic acid has a unique and critical role specifically related to the development of the nervous system in the fetus.