What supplementation is advised for women planning or capable of pregnancy?

Folic acid supplementation is highly recommended for women who are planning to become pregnant or are capable of pregnancy due to its crucial role in fetal development. Adequate folic acid intake is vital for reducing the risk of neural tube defects in the developing fetus, which can occur in the early stages of pregnancy, often before many women are even aware they are pregnant.

Healthcare providers typically advise women of childbearing age to take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. This supplementation should ideally begin before conception and continue through the first trimester, as the neural tube develops in the early weeks of pregnancy.

While the other options provide various health benefits, they do not have the same specific recommendation related to preventing birth defects during pregnancy. Aspirin is often related to cardiovascular health and not directly linked to pregnancy. Calcium is important for bone health, and iron is crucial for preventing anemia, particularly during pregnancy, but folic acid has a direct and significant impact on reducing neural tube defects, which is why it is the primary focus for supplementation in this context.