Final answer:
A deficiency of folic acid in the mother has been linked to spina bifida in the child.
Step-by-step explanation:
A deficiency of folic acid in the mother has been linked to spina bifida in the child. Folic acid, which is a type of Vitamin B9, is important for the healthy development of the neural tube during early pregnancy. A deficiency of folic acid can result in neural tube defects, including spina bifida, where the spinal tissue protrudes through the newborn's vertebral column.