Question

Discuss the importance of folic acid supplementation before conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Answer 1

* Folic acid is a vitamin supplement (Vitamin B9) helps in formation neural tube

of unborn baby.

* Neural tube is the precursor of central nerve system at the embryonic stage of fetus

and which further develop to form brain and spinal cord.

* So adequate supplementation (400 mcg to 600 mcg per day) of folic acid is essential

for proper development of brain and spinal cord.

* Folic acid deficiency before conception and during the first trimester of preganancy

leads to neural tube defects like Spina bifida,Anencephaly etc.