A nonprofit organization wants to support the 2020 nutrition objective for the nation that is related to reducing the incidence of spina bifida and other neural tube defects. Define neural tube defects and describe the time frame for their development after conception. Also, discuss any recommended behavioral or nutritional interventions important for women considering pregnancy
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a group of birth defects that are caused by incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, or their protective coverings. Spina bifida is one of the most common types of NTDs. NTDs develop between the third and fourth week after conception—or before many women even know they are pregnant, and well before prenatal care generally begins. Folate is an essential nutrient required for DNA replication and as a component of enzymatic reactions involved in amino acid synthesis and vitamin metabolism. Knowledge of the folate–neural tube defect relationship, and awareness that folate intake was inadequate in many women of childbearing age, prompted public health efforts to increase folate intake. In particular, efforts are focused on encouraging women to consume folic acid, a highly absorbable, synthetic form of this B vitamin. In 1998, the Food and Drug Administration mandated that refined grain products such as white bread, grits, crackers, rice, and pasta be fortified with folic acid. Many countries now fortify refined grain products with folic acid, and rates of NTDs have decreased significantly in these countries.
You might also like to view...
Which statement about non-digestible carbohydrates is FALSE?
a. Dietary fiber lingers in the small intestine. b. They attract water, which softens stool for passage without straining. c. Their small fat molecules contribute some energy. d. They are fermented by bacteria in the GI tract. e. Bacteria adds water, gas, and short-chain fatty acids.
A healthy adult male visits you to improve his diet. He is interested in reducing his body fat as well. Normal body fat percentages in males are:
a. 10-20% b. 12-20% c. 20-30% d. 12-24%
Robert and Chris have been at a local bar near their dormitory for one hour. Chris has had 3 beers already and Robert tells him to slow down because too much alcohol can cause death. Chris says this is not true since you just go to sleep when you drink too much. Chris also says that since he is allowed 2 drinks a day on average, he decided to save them up for the weekend. Robert is beginning to
suspect that Chris might have a drinking problem. Let's see if you know more than Chris does concerning alcohol by answering these questions. Will Chris be able to legally drive home in most states? a. Yes b. No c. Not enough information is provided
Antioxidants stabilize free radicals by
A. denaturing them. B. covalently bonding to them. C. donating an electron to them. D. removing an electron from them.