In Nancy’s case, she was likely consuming what is thought to be an adequate amount of folate. What other factors do you think might have contributed to Daniel developing a neural tube defect?

Answer 1

Poor nutrition is the most common cause of folate deficiency, although there are many other possible routes by which a pregnant mother may become deficient in folic acid. In Nancy’s case it may be that her intake of raw vegetables or beans (both contain folate inhibitors) may inadvertently be causing low folic acid availability to the fetus. In addition, chronic intake of aspirin or ibuprofen interferes with folic acid absorption and can lead to low folic acid level; chronic alcohol intake is associated with low folic acid intake; and possible exposure to certain chemicals and radiation have been linked with folic acid deficiency. A mother may also have undetected cancer—the cancer cells demand and compete for the body’s folate. Finally, it may be that Nancy has a genetic predisposition to low folic acid levels.