ANENCEPHALY Ayling Sanjaya

It is a defect in the closure of the neural tube during fetal development. The neural tube is a narrow channel that folds and closes between the 3rd and 4th weeks of pregnancy to form the brain and spinal cord of the embryo.

THE CAUSE IS UNKOWN!! Although it is thought that a mother’s diet and vitamin intake may play a role, scientists believe that many other factors are also involved. Recent studies show that addition of folic acid to the diet of women of childbearing age may significantly reduce the incidence of neural tube defects. (0.4 mg daily)

ETIOLOGY

Folic Acid Folate and folic acid are forms of a water-soluble B vitamin. Folate occurs naturally in food. Folate is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells. This is especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth such as infancy and pregnancy. Folate is needed to make DNA and RNA, the building blocks of cells. It also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer