The mother of a teenager recently diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta type I (OI) asks if the problem is related to the fact that she adhered to a vegetarian diet during pregnancy. What is the most appropriate response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The primary problem with OI is failure to produce at least one functional chain of procollagen that is needed to associate with other molecules and form functional collagen in bone tissue. As a result, the developing bones have less structural integrity and strength, increasing the risk for fractures. The problem is a mutation in the gene coding for type 1 collagen. It is inherited in an autosomal-dominant transmission pattern, although spontaneous mutations are responsible about 35% of the time. Diet during pregnancy does not affect the development of the disorder in a fetus who has the gene mutation.

The Mother of a Teenager Recently Diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta