Final answer:
Yes, it is true that folate is extremely important to a growing embryo; a lack of folate can result in neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Folate is critical for the development of a healthy neural tube in a developing embryo, and a lack of folate can indeed lead to neural tube defects. A deficiency in maternal folate, especially during the first weeks of pregnancy, can result in conditions such as spina bifida, where the spinal tissue extends out of an incomplete vertebral column, and anencephaly, which involves the lack of brain tissue in the newborn.
During the embryonic stage, the pregnant mother's ingestion of folate is crucial, as it contributes to the prevention of these birth defects. The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends that women who may become pregnant should consume at least 400 µg/day of folate from fortified foods or supplements. This preventative measure is vital for the well-being of the fetus, as the embryo is particularly susceptible to environmental factors, including vitamin deficiencies, during its development.