The nurse is presenting an information session on birth defect prevention. What supplement should be recommended to decrease the incidence of neural tube defects?

Rationale: A. Folic acid: Adequate folic acid intake before conception and during early pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. The recommended daily intake for women of childbearing age is generally 400–800 mcg, starting at least one month before pregnancy and continuing through the first trimester. B. Vitamin D: Vitamin D is important for fetal skeletal development and maternal bone health, but it does not have a direct role in preventing neural tube defects. Deficiency may cause rickets in infants, but it is not associated with closure of the neural tube. C. Iron: Iron supplementation is essential to prevent maternal anemia and to support fetal growth and development. However, iron does not influence the formation of the neural tube and thus does not reduce the risk of defects like spina bifida. D. Calcium: Calcium supports fetal bone and teeth development and helps maintain maternal bone stores. While it is important in pregnancy, it is not connected to prevention of neural tube defects.