I just came across with Tempo article suggested that most of Asian women consume less folat acid. The effect of this is that their babies will undergo defect bones. They are: fetus without head skeleton (Anencephaly), bump on the back side of head (encephalocele) and spina bifida (abnormal vertebral column coation) (tulang belakang tidak tertutup sempurna).

The intake of the acid is suggested to begin at least three months before pregnancy. Women can obtain this essential acid from broccoli, cows liver, soy bean, apple, banana, strawberry, yoghurt, green vegetables and folat acid supplements.



Reference:

Tempo edisi 17-23 September 2007