Explain how folate serves "double duty" during pregnancy and why deficiencies of this vitamin can be devastating

Answer 1

Folate directs the synthesis of the cells' DNA molecules and also helps cells develop appropriately. The mother's blood volume increases 50% during the last 2 trimesters of pregnancy, so the bone marrow must be able to manufacture enough red blood cells to support the mother's circulatory needs as well as those of the fetal circulation. Deficiencies of folate can result in anemia, which can jeopardize both the mother's and fetus's health.
Folate is also essential for proper spinal column development in the embryo and fetus. A deficiency of folate can result in the incomplete closure of the spinal column, which can cause spina bifida (shown in Figure 13-5). This condition can result in permanent physical and/or mental disability in the child.