Folate adequacy is a key protective layer for early fetal neural tube development, which occurs in the earliest weeks—often before pregnancy is even confirmed. That is why folic acid supplementation is commonly included in preconception care recommendations. Dosage can vary by risk profile: lower-risk individuals often follow standard daily amounts, while higher-risk cases (e.g., prior neural tube defect history) require a clinician-specific protocol. The most reliable operational approach is to align dosage and duration with an OB/GYN once pregnancy planning is active.