Folic acid supplementation in Italian women during pregnancy: A cross-sectional study conducted in general practice.

•To reach an adequate intake of folic acid (FA) and hinder the risk of congenital neural tube defects associated with folate insufficiency, improving folate status is recommended through periconceptional supplementation with FA, promotion of the consumption of foods rich in natural folates, and appropriate use of fortified foods.•The lack of supplementation with FA, in addition to incorrect adherence to the existing FA supplementation protocol, is attributable to different social and cultural factors, relatively poor planning of pregnancies, and lack of information concerning the need for FA supplementation during the prepregnancy period.•General practitioners and gynecologists are the only sources of information on the importance of FA supplementation.