Rosh Women's Health Practice Exam

Folic acid deficiency is directly linked to the development of neural tube defects (NTDs) during pregnancy. Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation, as well as cell division and growth, which are essential processes during the early stages of fetal development. Deficiency in folic acid during the periconceptional period can lead to improper closure of the neural tube, resulting in defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Health authorities recommend that women who are planning to become pregnant take a daily supplement containing folic acid, in addition to obtaining it from dietary sources. This supplementation significantly reduces the risk of NTDs, highlighting the importance of sufficient folic acid levels before conception and during early pregnancy.