Deficiency of which vitamin during pregnancy predisposes to meningomyelocele?
**Core Concept**
Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy is a critical issue that can lead to various congenital anomalies, including neural tube defects (NTDs). NTDs occur when the neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord, fails to close properly during early embryonic development. This can result in severe birth defects, such as meningomyelocele.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Folic acid plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the closure of the neural tube. A deficiency in folic acid can impair the normal closure of the neural tube, leading to the development of NTDs. This is particularly concerning during pregnancy, as the neural tube forms within the first month of gestation. Adequate folic acid supplementation is essential for pregnant women to prevent NTDs, such as meningomyelocele. The recommended daily intake of folic acid during pregnancy is 400-800 mcg.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with neurological symptoms, such as peripheral neuropathy and megaloblastic anemia, but it is not directly linked to meningomyelocele.
* **Option B:** Vitamin C deficiency leads to scurvy, which affects collagen synthesis and can cause connective tissue disorders, but it is not related to neural tube defects.
* **Option D:** Vitamin E deficiency is associated with neurological symptoms, such as ataxia and dysarthria, but it is not directly linked to meningomyelocele.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Folic acid supplementation is essential for pregnant women to prevent neural tube defects, such as meningomyelocele. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that all women of childbearing age take a daily supplement containing 400-800 mcg of folic acid to prevent NTDs.
**Correct Answer:** C. Folic acid