Why is folate intake recommended before conception rather than waiting until the pregnancy is confirmed?

• A. Because folate needs to be taken only by men prior to conception and has no impact on embryonic neural tube development in women.
• B. Because folate is only effective in the third trimester and starting it earlier has no benefit, but early use is recommended as a habit for better compliance.
• C. Because neural tube formation occurs in the first few weeks after conception—often before pregnancy is recognized—so adequate folate must be present preconception to prevent defects.
• D. Because folate prevents all types of birth defects regardless of timing, and starting before conception is mainly a legal precaution.

Answer: (C)