Which deficiency deficit is associated with birth defects?

• A. Folate deficit
• B. Vitamin A deficiency
• C. Vitamin D deficiency
• D. Iron deficiency

Answer: (A)

Neural tube development happens very early in pregnancy, often before a woman knows she’s pregnant. Folate, a B vitamin, is crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division during this rapid early growth. When folate intake is insufficient, the neural tube may not close properly, leading to birth defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly. That's why folate (folic acid) deficiency is the nutrient issue most closely linked to birth defects, and why taking folic acid before conception and in early pregnancy helps reduce that risk.

Other nutrients are important for overall maternal and fetal health, but they’re not the deficiency most strongly associated with birth defects in the same way. For example, vitamin A deficiency affects vision and immune function, while excess vitamin A during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Iron deficiency relates mainly to anemia and related risks, not congenital neural tube defects.