Which statement accurately describes the effect of folic acid on spina bifida risk?

• A. Increases risk
• B. Has no effect on risk
• C. Always prevents spina bifida completely
• D. Adequate folic acid intake reduces risk

Answer: (D)

Folate is essential for neural tube formation early in pregnancy, and the neural tube closes very early—often before many women know they’re pregnant. Adequate folic acid intake around conception and in the first weeks of gestation supports this closure process and lowers the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida. It does not guarantee prevention, but it reduces risk, which is why the accurate statement is that adequate folic acid intake reduces risk. The other options are not correct because folic acid does not increase risk, nor does it have no effect, and it does not completely prevent spina bifida in all cases. General guidance is about 400 micrograms daily for women of childbearing age, with higher doses (4 mg daily) for those with previous neural tube defect pregnancies.