More should be done to emphasize the importance of taking nutritional supplements containing folic acid among younger women of childbearing age, it has been suggested.

A poll commissioned by March of Dimes found that only 27 percent of women aged 18 to 24 take a multivitamin nutritional supplement containing folic acid.

Meanwhile, only 11 percent of women aged 18 to 45 said that they were aware folic acid should be consumed before getting pregnant.

Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes, said that women who are considering starting a family should begin taking folic acid before they get pregnant and continue throughout the pregnancy.

“Folic acid is the most important vitamin women can take to help prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine,” she explained.

Consuming daily nutritional supplements containing the B vitamin has been linked to a lower chance of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

In addition to vitamins, there are a number of foods that are fortified with extra folic acid, including some breads and cereals.