Which vitamin is crucial for the prevention of neural tube defects during pregnancy?

Which vitamin is crucial for the prevention of neural tube defects during pregnancy?

• A. Vitamin C
• B. Vitamin A
• C. Folic acid
• D. Vitamin D

Answer: (C)

Folic acid is crucial for the prevention of neural tube defects during pregnancy because it plays a key role in the proper development of the fetal neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord. Adequate levels of folic acid before conception and during the early stages of pregnancy help ensure that the neural tube closes completely. This process typically occurs in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant, making it essential for women of childbearing age to consume sufficient amounts of folic acid through diet or supplements. While vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin D have their own important roles in maintaining overall health during pregnancy, they do not have the specific function of preventing neural tube defects. This particular need for folic acid underlines its significance as part of preconception care and prenatal nutrition.

Folic acid is crucial for the prevention of neural tube defects during pregnancy because it plays a key role in the proper development of the fetal neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord. Adequate levels of folic acid before conception and during the early stages of pregnancy help ensure that the neural tube closes completely. This process typically occurs in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant, making it essential for women of childbearing age to consume sufficient amounts of folic acid through diet or supplements.

While vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin D have their own important roles in maintaining overall health during pregnancy, they do not have the specific function of preventing neural tube defects. This particular need for folic acid underlines its significance as part of preconception care and prenatal nutrition.