Final answer:
A deficiency of folate is correlated with neural tube defects in newborns, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
Step-by-step explanation:
A deficiency of folate is correlated with neural tube defects in newborns. Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is important for the healthy development of the neural tube. If a pregnant woman lacks sufficient folate in the early stages of pregnancy, it can lead to neural tube defects such as spina bifida, where spinal tissue protrudes through the newborn's vertebral column due to incomplete closure. An even more severe neural tube defect is anencephaly, which is characterized by a partial or complete absence of brain tissue.