Which vitamin supplement is most important for pregnant women to prevent Neural Tube Defects in fetus?

RRB Nsg. Superintendent -29 April-2025 (shift-2nd)

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent -29 April-2025 (shift-2nd)

Explanation

Folic acid (Vitamin B9) is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, which are critical processes during the rapid growth of the fetus in early pregnancy.
The neural tube, the precursor to the brain and spinal cord, closes by the 28th day after conception—often before a woman knows she is pregnant.
Adequate folic acid intake before and during this critical period significantly reduces the risk of major birth defects of the brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida).
Due to the early closure of the neural tube, it is recommended that all women of childbearing potential consume 400 mcg of folic acid daily.

Option B: Vitamin C is an antioxidant important for collagen synthesis and immune function but is not directly involved in the closure of the neural tube.
Option C: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from damage. It does not have a primary role in preventing neural tube defects.
Option D: Excessive intake of Vitamin A (greater than 10,000 IU/day) is known to be teratogenic, meaning it can cause birth defects, and is not used for NTD prevention.

Visual 1: Diagram - A simplified illustration showing the process of neural tube closure in an embryo, highlighting the critical window for folic acid's impact.
Visual 2: Infographic - A chart listing common food sources rich in folic acid, such as leafy green vegetables, fortified cereals, legumes, and citrus fruits.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The role of Folic Acid in preventing Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) during pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Preconception counseling is a key nursing responsibility, and advising women of childbearing age about the importance of daily folic acid supplementation is a critical public health intervention.
Nurses must educate patients that many pregnancies are unplanned, and therefore, folic acid intake is recommended for all women who could become pregnant, not just those actively trying to conceive.
What if? If a patient reports a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect, the nurse should know that the recommended dose of folic acid is significantly higher (4 mg/day) and should ensure the patient is referred for appropriate medical advice and prescription.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the key terms in the question: 'most important vitamin,' 'pregnant women,' and 'prevent Neural Tube Defects (NTDs).'
Recall the functions of the vitamins listed in the options in the context of pregnancy.
Focus on the specific condition mentioned: Neural Tube Defects. Remember that NTDs are defects of the brain and spinal cord that occur very early in fetal development.
Connect the pathophysiology of NTDs with the vitamin known to be crucial for neural tube closure. This is a direct recall of a fundamental concept in prenatal care.
Evaluate the other options to confirm they are incorrect. Remember that high doses of Vitamin A are teratogenic, which makes it a dangerous choice if not medically indicated.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The role of Folic Acid in preventing Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) during pregnancy.
Stem keywords: vitamin supplement, pregnant women, prevent, Neural Tube Defects, fetus
Lead-in keywords: most important
Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.
Negative lead-in flag: false

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