American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

Which deficiency is known for causing neural tube defects?

1. Vitamin A deficiency

2. Folate deficiency

3. Vitamin D deficiency

4. Cobalamin deficiency

The correct answer is: Folate deficiency

The association of folate deficiency with neural tube defects is well-established. Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is crucial for DNA synthesis and repair, as well as for cellular division and tissue growth. During the early stages of pregnancy, adequate folate levels are essential for the proper development of the neural tube, which eventually forms the brain and spinal cord. Insufficient folate can lead to improper closure of the neural tube, resulting in defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Research has consistently demonstrated that women who are planning to become pregnant or who are in the early stages of pregnancy should have sufficient folate intake to reduce the risk of these defects. For this reason, folate supplementation is recommended for women of childbearing age, particularly around the time of conception and in the early weeks of pregnancy. This notable link highlights the importance of this nutrient in prenatal health and developmental processes.