What is the connection between folic acid and the defects of the nerve tube?
One important connection between folic acid and the defects of the nerve tube is that the use of sufficient amount of folic acid during pregnancy and before pregnancy helps prevent defects in the fetus. Most nerve tube defects occur during the first 30 days of pregnancy and the woman must ensure that she takes enough folate or folic acid before confirming pregnancy. While the exact cause of connection of folic acid and nerve tube defects is unknown, the studies have shown that folic acid helps the body to develop DNA and is important for cell growth and tissues.
Folic acid is a type of vitamin B. Naturally, it occurs in leafy vegetables such as spinach, orange juice and whole grains. In its natural form, it is known as folate. Folic acid is a synthesized form added to enriched products such as cereal and white bread. The connection between folic acid defects and the defects of the nerve tube was shown when society began to produce fortified foods with vitaMINE B and rate of defects have decreased.
Vitamin helps prevent several types of nerve tube defects. One type, the backbone bifida, occurs when the spinal column on the fetus does not close completely after forming. Other defects of the nerve tube affect the brain. When the fetus has annephaly, the brain is insufficiently developed. Encephalocele occurs when the skull does not close completely and some brain tissue emerges from the hole.
Folic acid primarily helps prevent defects of the nerve tube by stimulating tissue formation in the developing fetus. During the first few weeks of pregnancy, the fetus grows rapidly. Fetus needs the DNA to develop quickly, otherwise problems occur. DNA formation is another connection between folic acid defects and nerve tubes. Fetus needs vitamin B to produce DNA, which in turn produces cells and tissue.
How neural tubes are formed during the first monthly pregnancy is recommended that inA number of women aged with children occupied at least 400 mcg of folic acid or folate every day, although they do not intend to conceive. Lack of folic acid defects and nerve tube defects may occur before a woman knows her pregnancy. Because many pregnancies are not planned, it is better to take measures in advance. If a woman does not have enough folic acid from her diet, she can take a supplement or prenatal vitamin.