Which nutrient should be avoided in excessive amounts during pregnancy because of teratogenic risk?

Which nutrient should be avoided in excessive amounts during pregnancy because of teratogenic risk?

• A. Calcium
• B. Folic acid
• C. Iron
• D. Vitamin A

Answer: (D)

Excess preformed vitamin A (retinol and its esters) during pregnancy is teratogenic, meaning it can cause birth defects in the developing fetus. The risk is greatest in early pregnancy when organs are forming, so avoiding high amounts of vitamin A is important. Vitamin A comes from animal sources such as liver and from some supplements; plant sources provide beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A by the body as needed and is not associated with the same teratogenic risk when consumed in typical amounts. The other nutrients listed—calcium, folic acid, and iron—are essential for a healthy pregnancy and, when taken within recommended amounts, do not carry the same teratogenic risk.

Excess preformed vitamin A (retinol and its esters) during pregnancy is teratogenic, meaning it can cause birth defects in the developing fetus. The risk is greatest in early pregnancy when organs are forming, so avoiding high amounts of vitamin A is important. Vitamin A comes from animal sources such as liver and from some supplements; plant sources provide beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A by the body as needed and is not associated with the same teratogenic risk when consumed in typical amounts. The other nutrients listed—calcium, folic acid, and iron—are essential for a healthy pregnancy and, when taken within recommended amounts, do not carry the same teratogenic risk.