What health issue is associated with a lack of folate?

A lack of folate, which is a B vitamin, is particularly associated with neural tube defects in developing fetuses. Folate is crucial for proper cell division and DNA synthesis, and adequate levels are especially important during early pregnancy when the neural tube is forming. If a pregnant person does not have enough folate, it can lead to serious birth defects of the brain and spine, commonly known as neural tube defects. These conditions, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, occur in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before many women even know they are pregnant. Thus, ensuring sufficient folate intake through diet or supplementation is a vital public health recommendation for women of childbearing age.