Abstract: Neural tube defects are complex and severe congenital malformations of central neural system with high incidence. Anencephaly and spina bifida are the most common and severe forms of NTD. Failure of the primary embryonic neural tube to close or secondarily reopening is direct reasons leading to NTD. Development of the neural tube is related to lots of genes and environmental factors， in which maternal nutrition situation is one of the most important reported in many literatures， including vitamin B12，homocysteine， folic acid and choline， etc. However， phospholipids metabolism related to folic acid， choline and homocysteine metabolisms was rarely mentioned. Herein， this paper reviewed the role of phospholipids metabolism， lipid mediators and enzymes in generation and development in neural tube defects and its research status.

Key words: Neural tube defects, Phospholipids, Choline, Lipid mediator, Folic acid