What nutrients prevent fetal neural tube defects?

Nutrients that help prevent fetal neural tube defects generally include folic acid, calcium, protein, vitamin B12, and vitamin C. The details are as follows:

1. Folic Acid

Women should take folic acid supplements and consume foods rich in folic acid—such as leafy green vegetables, beef, and sesame paste—for at least three months before pregnancy to ensure adequate intake and help prevent fetal neural tube defects.

2. Calcium

During pregnancy, women can take calcium supplements and eat calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, bone soup, and pork liver to ensure sufficient calcium intake and prevent poor fetal skeletal development.

3. Protein

Consuming protein-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, fish, shrimp, eggs, and whole grains during pregnancy helps meet the needs of fetal structural development.

4. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 promotes hemoglobin synthesis and helps treat megaloblastic anemia. It also works synergistically with folic acid to support cell division and DNA synthesis, thereby helping prevent fetal neural tube defects.

5. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps eliminate free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, promote fetal development, and lower the risk of fetal neural tube defects.

Pregnant women are advised to maintain a light diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods such as grilled items, canned goods, and cured meats, which may negatively affect fetal development. It's also important to avoid unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking alcohol to protect the fetus. If supplementation with vitamins, calcium, or other medications is needed, it should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional to avoid self-medication.