What birth defect may result from a deficiency of folic acid during pregnancy?

What birth defect may result from a deficiency of folic acid during pregnancy?

• A. Down syndrome
• B. Neural tube defect
• C. Congenital heart defect
• D. Cleft palate

Answer: (B)

A deficiency of folic acid during pregnancy is directly linked to the development of neural tube defects. Folic acid, which is a B-vitamin, plays a critical role in the formation of the neural tube, which eventually develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord. When there is insufficient folic acid, the neural tube may not close properly, leading to potential defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly. While some other birth defects can result from various nutritional deficiencies or genetic factors, neural tube defects are the specific conditions that have a well-established correlation with folic acid deficiency. This connection is why prenatal vitamins often contain folic acid to help prevent these types of birth defects, emphasizing the importance of adequate folate levels during the early stages of pregnancy when neural tube development occurs.

A deficiency of folic acid during pregnancy is directly linked to the development of neural tube defects. Folic acid, which is a B-vitamin, plays a critical role in the formation of the neural tube, which eventually develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord. When there is insufficient folic acid, the neural tube may not close properly, leading to potential defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly.

While some other birth defects can result from various nutritional deficiencies or genetic factors, neural tube defects are the specific conditions that have a well-established correlation with folic acid deficiency. This connection is why prenatal vitamins often contain folic acid to help prevent these types of birth defects, emphasizing the importance of adequate folate levels during the early stages of pregnancy when neural tube development occurs.