Deficiency of which of the following vitamin during pregnance may cause neural tube defects?
- A- Folic acid
- B- Riboflavin
- C- Niacin
- D- Thiamine.
The answer is: A. Folic acid
Deficiency in folic acid during pregnancy is the major contributing factor to neural tube defects (NTDs) in newborns. NTDs are serious birth defects that affect the spinal cord and brain development.
Here's why the other options are incorrect:
B. Riboflavin:
While riboflavin is important for overall health, it is not specifically linked to NTDs.
C. Niacin:
Niacin deficiency can cause other health problems like pellagra, but it is not associated with NTDs.
D. Thiamine:
Thiamine deficiency can lead to beriberi, but it does not contribute to NTDs.
Folic acid is crucial for healthy cell division and growth, especially during the early stages of pregnancy when the neural tube is forming. A deficiency during this critical period can increase the risk of NTDs, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
Therefore, it is highly recommended for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to consume sufficient folic acid through prenatal vitamins and a diet rich in folic acid-containing foods like leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains.
