Sufficient intake of folic acid helps to prevent defect of which body system in the developing fetus? Hepatic Cardiac Respiratory Neural tube Confident
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct answer: Neural tube
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, plays a critical role in the development of the neural tube in a fetus during early pregnancy. The neural tube is the structure in a developing embryo that eventually forms the brain and spinal cord. Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious birth defects that occur when the neural tube fails to close properly. The two most common NTDs are spina bifida, which affects the spine, and anencephaly, which affects the brain. These defects typically occur within the first 28 days of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant.
Research has shown that sufficient intake of folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy can reduce the risk of neural tube defects by up to 70 percent. That is why women who are of childbearing age are advised to take a daily folic acid supplement of at least 400 micrograms. This is especially important because many pregnancies are unplanned, and the early development of the neural tube happens so quickly.
Folic acid contributes to DNA synthesis, repair, and cell division, all of which are essential processes during fetal development. Without enough folic acid, cells may not divide properly, leading to incomplete formation of the neural tube.
While folic acid supports general health and has other benefits, such as promoting red blood cell formation and preventing certain types of anemia, its most critical role during pregnancy is in the prevention of neural tube defects. It does not directly prevent defects in the hepatic (liver), cardiac (heart), or respiratory systems, which are influenced by other genetic and environmental factors.
Therefore, the correct answer is neural tube.
