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Related Concept Videos

Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
Neurulation01:30

Neurulation

Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the anterior...
Vitamins01:30

Vitamins

Vitamins, derived from the Latin word for life, are essential organic substances required in small quantities for optimal growth and overall well-being. Unlike other organic nutrients, vitamins don't act as sources of energy or building materials but rather facilitate these nutrients' utilization by the body. Vitamins are predominantly coenzymes, assisting enzymes in specific chemical actions, like the oxidation of glucose for energy involving B vitamins. Most vitamins are not produced in our...
Translation01:31

Translation

Lesson: Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
Translation01:31

Translation

Lesson: Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
Meiosis vs. Mitosis02:57

Meiosis vs. Mitosis

Cell division is necessary for growth and reproduction in organisms. Mitosis aids cell growth and development by dividing somatic cells. In contrast, meiosis causes the division of germ cells and plays an essential role in sexual reproduction. Due to their unique functional requirements, mitosis and meiosis differ from each other in multiple aspects.
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Modifying Levels of Maternal Dietary Folic Acid or Choline to Study the Impact of Deficiencies on Offspring Health Outcomes
03:19

Modifying Levels of Maternal Dietary Folic Acid or Choline to Study the Impact of Deficiencies on Offspring Health Outcomes

Published on: June 28, 2024

Folate and neural tube defects.

Roy M Pitkin1

  • 1UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA. r.pitkin@earthlink.net

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|January 9, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Folic acid supplementation significantly reduces neural tube defects (NTDs) like anencephaly and spina bifida. Mandatory fortification in the US has improved folate levels and decreased NTD rates by 25-30%.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Public Health
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Neural tube defects (NTDs), including anencephaly and spina bifida, are serious congenital malformations.
  • Extensive clinical research over 50 years has established a protective role for folate against NTDs.
  • Current recommendations advise daily folic acid intake for women of childbearing potential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize key research establishing the folate-NTD link.
  • To review the impact of public health recommendations and food fortification on NTD rates.
  • To identify remaining research gaps in understanding folate's mechanism and optimal dosage for NTD prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical and contemporary clinical research studies on folate and NTDs.

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Last Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Modifying Levels of Maternal Dietary Folic Acid or Choline to Study the Impact of Deficiencies on Offspring Health Outcomes
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  • Analysis of public health policy outcomes, including recommended intakes and mandatory fortification.
  • Assessment of changes in folate levels and NTD frequencies post-fortification.

    • Main Results:

    • Folic acid supplementation and fortification have led to improved folate status and a 25-30% reduction in NTD frequency.
    • Mandatory folic acid fortification in the US and other countries has been followed by significant improvements.
    • Despite progress, folate-NTD prevention is not fully optimized, with about half of folate-responsive cases still occurring.

    Conclusions:

    • The folate-NTD relationship is a unique example of a preventable congenital malformation.
    • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of folate's action and optimal prevention strategies.
    • Identifying optimal folate dosages and comparing different forms (food folate vs. folic acid) remain critical research priorities.