Answer:
B.) Folic acid
Explanation:
Folic acid is an essential vitamin for the development of the central nervous system of the baby.
During the first weeks of pregnancy, the brain and the rest of the nervous system develop in the embryo, including the closure of the neural tube (which contains the spinal cord).
If the neural tube does not close completely, malformations occur. The most frequent are:
- Anencephaly (lack of development of the brain and cranial bones).
- Spina bifida (a defect in the spine and spinal cord).
To reduce the number of congenital anomalies in newborns, adequate consumption of this vitamin must begin before conception and spread during the first weeks of pregnancy.
Eating foods with folic acid is important and that is why in our country there is a law that requires flour to be enriched with this vitamin. However, food does not offer sufficient prevention and that is why it is important that the health team advises women of childbearing age to consume a folic acid supplement from before they become pregnant.
