Fetus folic acid deficiency

High doses of folic acid can mask signs of B12 deficiency, which is a risk in elderly people. Patients taking phenytoin (Dilantin) for seizures should be cautious about taking folic acid because it can increase the risk of seizures. During the first trimester of pregnancy, folic acid deficiency can affect the development of the central nervous system (CNS) of the fetus this can lead to neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida, a defective closure of the bony structure of the spinal cord, or anencephaly, lack of brain mass formation... 

Adequate amounts of folic acid are especially important in fetal development, during the first eight weeks of life following fertilization. The compound is essential to promote normal development of the fetal nervous system. Folic acid deficiencies in the mother during this period may result in neural tube defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly, a condition in which the fetus brain and skull fail to develop normally. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that pregnant women take 600 micrograms of folic acid daily to avoid such problems. 

In addition to direct effects of chemical compounds on the fetus, metabolic disturbances in the mother, such as diabetes or hyperthermia, or deficiencies of calories or specific nutrients such as vitamin A, zinc, and folic acid may lead to teratogenesis. Compounds that inhibit placental functions may also induce malformations, e.g., by inhibiting placental circulation. For example, hydroxyurea disrupts the placental circulation and induces malformations. In addition, it also induces DNA damage. 

Because both drugs may interfere with folic acid metabolism, their use during pregnancy is usually contraindicated by the potential for effects on the fetus, such as the development of neural tube defects associated with folate deficiency. The use of trimethoprim is contraindicated in patients with blood dyscrasias, hepatic damage, and renal impairment. 

If the requirements for the growth and development of the fetus are withheld, a disruption to these processes may occur and damage may ensure. Deficiencies in essential substrates, such as folic acid, may be caused by dietary lack or by substrate analogues. 

Pregnancy. The extra iron required by mother and fetus totals 1000 mg, chiefly in the latter half of pregnancy. The fetus takes iron from the mother even if she is iron deficient. Dietary iron is seldom adequate and iron and folic acid (50-100 mg elemental iron plus folic acid 200-500 micrograms/day) should be given to pregnant women from the fourth month. Opinions differ on whether all women should receive prophylaxis or only those who can be identified as needing it. There are numerous formulations. Parents should be particularly warned not to let children get at the tablets. 

A. Role of Folic Acid Like vitamin Bp, folic acid is required for normal DNA synthesis, and its deficiency usually presents as megaloblastic anemia. In addition, deficiency of folic acid during pregnancy increases the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus. 

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