Prenatal nutrition and prenatal environmental exposure affect organogenesis of t
ID: 3507896 • Letter: P
Question
Prenatal nutrition and prenatal environmental exposure affect organogenesis of the human embryo and fetus. Provide support for this hypothesis using citations from the scientific literature (search the pubmed.gov Website) to demonstrate how prenatal nutrition affects organogenesis in the embryo and fetus. Specifically, discuss how maternal diet, vitamin intake, prenatal supplementation, prenatal exposure to dietary heavy metals promote or other toxins can regulate organogenesis, especially during weeks 4-8 of life. include citations plz
Explanation / Answer
The nutrition during pregnancy is an important factor that influences the growth of fetus and organogenesis in the fetus. The early days of fetal development are crucial for organ development because formation of organs depend on careful cell divisions. Any abnormalities at this stage may affect organogenesis. This crucial stage is monitored by proper nutrition and vitamin intake by the mother. For example, deficiency of vitamin B12 and folate may cause abnormalities in DNA development of cells and neural tube development of fetus. This may result in abnormality in spinal column development of fetus resulting in spina bifida or fetus may born with mental disorders such as Schizophrenia etc.
Similarly, adulterants in foods like heavy metals and other teratogens may cause severe birth defects. lead poisoning may result in cancer and teratogens like cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption may cause birth defects too. Effect of alcohol on growing fetus may result in fetal alcohol syndrome.
Citations:
1. Brown, A. S., & Susser, E. S. (2008). Prenatal Nutritional Deficiency and Risk of Adult Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 34(6), 1054–1063. http://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbn096
2.Neugebauer R. Accumulating evidence for prenatal nutritional origins of mental disorders. JAMA. 2005;294:621–623.
3. van der Linden I, Afman LA, Heil SG, Blom HJ. Genetic variation in genes of folate metabolism and neural tube defect risk. Proc Nutr Soc. 2006;65:204–215.