A deficiency of folic acid which results in anemia ( megaloblastic anemia ). Note: Recent studies suggest that neural tube defects, which occur early in development of the fetus, are a result of low folic acid levels in the mothers body. These studies showed that an increase in the mother's dietary folic acid before conception, and during the first month of pregnancy reduced the risk of having a child with a neural tube defect. Most doctors recommend that all women capable of becoming pregnant take daily folic acid supplements if their regular diet does not provide a sufficient amount.