SAR HS 201 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Neural Tube Defect, Low Birth Weight, Methylmercury
5 May 2019
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Document Summary
Nutritional needs change at each stage of the life cycle. Nutrients reach the developing fetus through the placenta. Placenta: close association between the fetus"s and mother"s circulatory systems permits the mother"s bloodstream to deliver nutrients and oxygen and remove waste particles. Before a woman becomes pregnant, she must establish eating habits that will optimally nourish both the growing embryo and fetus and herself. Smoking, alcohol and drug abuse and obesity are associated with reduced fertility. Zinc and folate is associated with healthy sperm. Men who drink too much alcohol in the weeks before conception can sustain damage to their sperms" genetic material. Should also avoid high intakes of saturated and trans fats as well as caffeine. Neural tube defects include any of a number of birth defects in the orderly formation of the neural tube during early gestation. Spine bifida: incomplete closure of the bony casting around the spinal cord. Anencephaly: a partially or completely missing brain.
