What deficiency condition is associated with a lack of Folic acid?

The deficiency condition that is associated with a lack of folic acid is neural tube defects. Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is crucial for proper cell division and DNA synthesis. During early pregnancy, adequate folate levels are especially important for the development of the neural tube, which eventually forms the brain and spinal cord of the fetus. A deficiency in folic acid during this critical period can lead to severe developmental issues, including neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

While encephalopathy can result from various causes, it is not specifically linked to folic acid deficiency. Similarly, scurvy is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, and rickets is associated with a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. Therefore, neural tube defects are the condition most closely tied to a lack of folic acid, particularly in the context of pregnancy and fetal development.