Final answer:
Option (B), A low intake of folate increases a woman's risk of having a baby with neural tube defects. Folate is essential for the proper development of an embryo's neural tube, and a deficiency can lead to conditions like spina bifida and anencephaly. Pregnant women are advised to consume at least 400 µg/day of folate.
Step-by-step explanation:
A low intake of folate increases a woman's chance of giving birth to a baby with a neural tube defect. Folate, a B vitamin, is crucial for the proper development of the neural tube in the early stages of pregnancy. Insufficient folate can lead to neural tube defects such as spina bifida, where the spinal tissue protrudes through an incompletely closed vertebral column, or anencephaly, characterized by the absence of brain tissue.
The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends that all women who might become pregnant consume at least 400 µg/day of folate from supplements or fortified foods. This is essential because folate deficiency is associated with significant risks during pregnancy, including neural tube defects and anemia. Foods rich in folate include leafy green vegetables, whole wheat, fruits, nuts, and legumes.