The nurse is discussing vitamins with a group of pregnant women at a community center when one of the participants asks,"What vitamin deficiency during pregnancy is a frequent cause of spina bifida in newborn infants?" The nurse correctly responds by stating:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy is a frequent cause of neural tube defects, including spina bifida, in newborn infants. Therefore, the correct vitamin to prevent this is folic acid (vitamin B9). Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) is important for the development of healthy red blood cells, but it is not directly linked to spina bifida. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is essential for healthy skin and connective tissue, but it does not play a significant role in preventing spina bifida. Manganese is a mineral that is necessary for bone development and wound healing but is not linked to spina bifida in newborns.

The Nurse Is Discussing Vitamins with a Group of Pregnant