And how has the government responded to help alleviate the consequences of dietary deficiencies that may occur?
2007-11-20 16:42:46 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
It helps to prevent birth defects like Spina Bifida
2007-11-20 16:50:22 · answer #1 · answered by timeforchange 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hi Caitlin. First, the government has responded by requiring food fortification with folate (folic acid). This has already had a dramatic impact by substantially reducing the number of neural tube birth defects.
Folate has many biochemical functions. It would be hard to say which one makes it 'essential for the developing fetus' - because all of its functions are essential.
Folate is needed for making the nucleotides that make up DNA. So, healthy genes cannot be made without it.
Folate is needed for a biochemical process called 'methylation'. Methylation plays numerous roles in the body's biochemistry including the synthesis of some hormones and neurotransmitters. Methylation also plays a critical role in regulating the function of genes.
Hope this helps you. Best wishes.
2007-11-20 16:56:19 · answer #2 · answered by Doctor J 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋