Risk Factors and Causes

Causes and Risk Factors for Spina Bifida

Folic Acid Intake - Folic Acid is a coenzyme. It plays an important role in many metabolisms . recent research suggests that it could be caused by the failure of methioninesynthase activity. The enzyme transforms homocysteine into methionine. To do so , methyl group from folic acid is needed . Hence if there’s a lack of folic acid, homocysteine levels rise . this appears to prevent neural tube closure.

Family history - Couples who have had one child with a neural tube defect have a slightly higher chance of having another baby with the same defect. That risk increases if two previous children have been affected by the condition. In addition, a woman who was born with a neural tube defect, or who has a close relative with one, has a greater chance of giving birth to a child with spina bifida. However, most babies with spina bifida are born to parents with no known family history of the condition.

Medications. Anti-seizure medications, such as valproic acid (Depakene), seem to cause neural tube defects when taken during pregnancy, perhaps because they interfere with the body's ability to use folic acid.


Race. Spina bifida is more common among Hispanics and whites of Northern European descent.

Pre-pregnancy obesity

Pre-pregnancy diabetes - women who have uncontrolled diabetes have an increased risk of NTD’s including SB

I'll find more info and explain on monday ! = )