FOLIC ACID DEFICIENCY DURING PREGNANCY AND ITS IMPACT ON CONGENITAL ANOMALIES

This article examines the impact of folic acid deficiency during pregnancy on fetal development, specifically focusing on neural tube defects (NTDs) and other congenital anomalies. The study was conducted in the Aral Sea region, where folic acid deficiency is prevalent among pregnant women, contributing to the high incidence of NTDs. The article also evaluates the effectiveness of public health interventions aimed at mitigating folic acid deficiency and emphasizes the need for mandatory folic acid fortification programs in the region. The findings underscore the importance of increasing folic acid intake to reduce the incidence of congenital anomalies and inform the development of comprehensive public health strategies.