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Fueling Brain Development: Nutrient Effects on Neurulation

Defects in neurulation, a process in vertebrate embryonic development that forms the neural tube and eventually the central nervous system, lead to a range of disorders characterized by malformation of the brain and spinal cord. Past studies have shown that folate, a nutrient involved in the biomolecule-synthesizing one-carbon metabolism, plays a vital role in reducing the occurrence of these congenital malformations. Further investigation of lesser-known nutrients involved in the one-carbon metabolism may provide new insight on preventative measures. In this review, we highlight the current understanding of nutrients implicated in the embryonic process of neurulation and how they are interrelated in one-carbon metabolism.