Birth defects are structural or functional abnormalities present at birth that can affect a baby's physical or mental development. These defects can occur in various parts of the body and may result from genetic factors, environmental exposures, or a combination of both. One of the most important and preventable birth defects is neural tube defects (NTDs).

Neural tube defects are a group of birth defects that affect the brain and spinal cord's development. They can lead to serious health issues, such as paralysis, intellectual disabilities, and even death. The most common types of NTDs are anencephaly (a severe underdevelopment of the brain) and spina bifida (a malformation of the spinal cord and spine).

The link between birth defects and the consumption of folic acid is primarily related to the prevention of NTDs. Neural tube defects are a specific category of birth defects that involve abnormalities in the development of the neural tube, which eventually forms the baby's brain and spinal cord. Folic acid plays a crucial role in preventing these defects.

To address all these interconnections between birth defects and consumption of folic acid, this episode of Gulabi Sambad incorporates the conversation with Dr. Benju Koirala, Gynecologist, and Obstetrician. Koirala has highlighted the role of folic acid in neural tube development, prevention of neural tube defects, dietary sources of folic acid, and so on. This episode is designed in collaboration with Karuna Foundation Nepal.

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