Vitamin B9, also called folate or folic aid, plays a role in cell division and contributes to the normal process of producing blood. It has been proven that a deficiency of folate prior to conception and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects in the foetus. Therefore, all women of reproductive age and those planning pregnancy or are in the early phases of pregnancy should take a folic acid supplement daily, or should consume enriched foods, since it is difficult to ingest the necessary amount in the standard diet.