OBJECTIVE: It has been well-documented that the risk of neural tube defects is reduced with the use of folic acid preconceptionally, yet no nationally representative study has presented the use of vitamins in women of child-bearing potential stratified by race and other important confounders. The current study was designed to determine the patterns of vitamin use among all women of childbearing potential and pregnant women (15 to 45 years of age), with a focus on examining racial disparity in the access to vitamins. METHODS: Analysis of 1997 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data, a nationally representative survey of the US population. Participants included all women respondents 15 to 45 years of age. The main outcome measures were the rate of vitamin use in all women and in pregnant women. RESULTS: In 1997, more than half of pregnant women 15 to 45 years of age reported vitamin use (51.6%) while a mere 9.0% of all women 15 to 45 years of age reported vitamin use. No racial disparity was seen in the use of vitamins by all women or by pregnant women 15 to 45 years of age. Pregnancy status was the single significant variable that increased the use of vitamins by all women (OR=61.77, 95% CI 22.84, 167.06). CONCLUSIONS: Given the link between folic acid and a reduction of the risk of neural tube defects, it is surprising that so few women in the MEPS data reported taking vitamins (particularly folic acid) before pregnancy. Additional interventions are necessary so that more women of childbearing potential are aware of the benefits of folic acid.