<![CDATA[Background: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are congenital abnormalities of the central nervous system that result from failure of the neural tube to close during embryonic development. They can cause permanent disability or death, and are a significant public health problem, especially in developing countries. Purpose: To review the role of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy as a preventive strategy against the risk of neural tube defects. Method: This study was a literature review using the narrative method. Selected articles published between 2020 and 2025 were reviewed, obtained from PubMed and ScienceDirect databases. Results: Folic acid consumption of 400 microgram per day can reduce the risk of NTDs by 50-70%. However, public compliance with folic acid consumption remains low due to lack of awareness, limited access, and lack of mandatory fortification policies in many countries. In addition, education and socioeconomic factors affect the level of knowledge and supplement consumption. Conclusion: Folic acid supplementation is an effective preventive strategy in reducing the incidence of NTDs. In addition to preventing NTDs, folic acid supplementation during pregnancy can reduce the risk of pregnancy complications and support fetal development. Keywords: Folic Acid; Neural Tube Defects; Pregnancy; Supplementation. Pendahuluan: Neural Tube Defects (NTD) adalah kelainan bawaan pada sistem saraf pusat yang terjadi akibat kegagalan penutupan tabung saraf selama perkembangan embrio. Kelainan ini dapat menyebabkan kecacatan permanen atau kematian, dan menjadi masalah kesehatan masyarakat yang signifikan, terutama di negara berkembang. Tujuan: Untuk mereview peran suplementasi asam folat pada masa kehamilan sebagai strategi preventif terhadap risiko neural tube defects (NTD). Metode: Penelitian ini merupakan literature review dengan metode naratif. Dikaji beberapa artikel terpilih yang dipublikasikan antara tahun 2020 hingga 2025, diperoleh dari basis data PubMed dan ScienceDirect. Hasil: Menunjukkan bahwa konsumsi asam folat sebesar 400 mikrogram per hari dapat menurunkan risiko NTD hingga 50-70%. Namun, tingkat kepatuhan masyarakat terhadap konsumsi asam folat masih rendah karena kurangnya kesadaran, akses terbatas, dan minimnya kebijakan fortifikasi wajib di banyak negara. Selain itu, faktor pendidikan dan sosial ekonomi memengaruhi tingkat pengetahuan dan konsumsi suplemen. Simpulan: Suplementasi asam folat merupakan strategi preventif yang efektif dalam menurunkan angka kejadian NTD. Selain dapat mencegah NTD, suplementasi asam folat pada masa kehamilan dapat menurunkan risiko komplikasi kehamilan dan mendukung perkembangan janin. Kata Kunci: Asam Folat; Kehamilan; Neural Tube Defects; Suplementasi.]]>
