Which natural form of vitamin B helps to prevent some of the major birth defects of the baby’s brain (anencephaly) and Spina bifida?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Folate.
· Folate, also known as vitamin B9 in its natural form, is essential during early pregnancy for proper neural tube development in the fetus.
· Adequate intake of folate helps prevent major birth defects such as anencephaly (a serious brain defect) and spina bifida (a spinal cord defect).
· It is recommended that women of childbearing age consume folate-rich foods or supplements to reduce the risk of these neural tube defects.
Information about other options:

• Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6): Important for protein metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and immune function.
  
• Cobalamin (Vitamin B12): Crucial for nerve function, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis.
  
• Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5): Helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of coenzyme A, which is vital for fatty acid metabolism​

Information Booster:
Types of vitamin B:
There are 8 types of vitamin B:

•  Thiamin (B1)
  
• Riboflavin (B2)
  
• Niacin (B3)
  
•  Pantothenic acid (B5)
  
•  Pyridoxine (B6)
  
• Biotin (B7)
  
• Folate or ‘folic acid’ when included in supplements (B9)
  
• Cyanocobalamin (B12).