Which supplement does the USPSTF recommend for women planning or capable of pregnancy?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends folic acid supplementation for women who are planning to become pregnant or who are capable of pregnancy. This recommendation is based on substantial evidence demonstrating that adequate intake of folic acid can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects and other serious birth defects in the early stages of fetal development. The critical period for preventing these defects is during the early weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant, which underscores the importance of preconception supplementation.

Folic acid, a B-vitamin, is specifically important for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, and is essential for rapid cell division and growth, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy. The USPSTF advises that women in this demographic take a daily supplement of folic acid, typically 400 to 800 micrograms, to ensure they have adequate levels to support a healthy pregnancy.

While iron, calcium, and vitamin C are also important nutrients, their supplementation is not recommended by the USPSTF in the same targeted way for pregnancy preparation as folic acid. Iron is important for preventing anemia, especially later in pregnancy, but folic acid's role in preventing neural tube defects makes it a priority supplement for women