There is clear evidence that folic acid deficiency in pregnancy is related to the occurrence of neural tube defects in newborns.

These malformations are caused by incomplete closure of some regions of the neural tube and include anencephaly and spina bifida encefalocete (with effects ranging from death to paralysis more or less important or urinary incontinence).

They are probably due to the lack of folic exist, there is not enough DNA for normal development of the embryo, and consequently a defect in neural tube closure.

It has been shown that supplementation with folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy decreases the incidence of neural tube defects in newborns. Because of this, it is recommended that all women in a position to become pregnant should take the order of 400 micrograms / day of folic.