Question

Folic acid supplementation is especially important to prevent __________ birth defects.

A) Genetic
B) Maternal
C) Neural tube
D) Respiratory

Answer 1

Folic acid supplementation is crucial for preventing neural tube birth defects, with deficiencies leading to conditions like spina bifida and anencephaly during early pregnancy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Folic acid supplementation is especially important to prevent neural tube birth defects. Neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, occur due to a deficiency in maternal folate during the critical first weeks of pregnancy. Spina bifida is characterized by the incomplete closure of the vertebral column, allowing spinal tissue to protrude, while anencephaly involves the partial or complete absence of brain tissue.

It is essential to provide sufficient folic acid to pregnant women to reduce the risk of these neurological birth defects significantly. As such, folic acid is one of the B vitamins crucial for the proper formation of the embryonic neural tube, which develops into the central nervous system. Awareness of the importance of folic acid can lead to healthier pregnancies and prevention of serious birth defects.

Answer 2

Folic acid supplementation is essential to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly during pregnancy. A deficiency in folate can lead to these birth defects, highlighting the importance of folic acid intake for expecting mothers. Option C) Neural tube is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Folic acid supplementation is especially important to prevent neural tube birth defects. Neural tube defects include serious conditions such as spina bifida, which occurs when the spinal tissue protrudes through gaps in an incompletely closed vertebral column, and anencephaly, characterized by the absence of a significant portion of brain tissue.

These defects arise during the early stages of pregnancy, typically before a woman may even realize she is pregnant. Therefore, adequate intake of folate, a B vitamin, is crucial for women of childbearing age and throughout pregnancy.

Folate deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of these defects, emphasizing the importance of folic acid supplementation for pregnant women or those planning to conceive. Regular consumption of folic acid can substantially reduce the risks, making it a significant preventative measure for expecting mothers.

Nutrition is a key factor in prenatal care, and alongside folic acid, maintaining a diet sufficient in other essential nutrients and avoiding exposure to toxins and certain medications that may deplete folate levels are important health considerations for expecting mothers.