Which nutrient deficiency in a pregnant adolescent may result in decreased birth weight due to low bone mineral density in the fetus?

Which nutrient deficiency in a pregnant adolescent may result in decreased birth weight due to low bone mineral density in the fetus?

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

Answer: (C)

Calcium is essential for fetal bone mineralization, and in pregnancy the fetus relies on maternal calcium to form a strong skeleton. A pregnant adolescent faces both ongoing own bone growth and high fetal calcium needs, so if intake is insufficient, the fetus may mineralize bone less efficiently, leading to lower bone mineral density and can contribute to decreased birth weight. Among common nutrients, calcium deficiency most directly affects the skeletal system of the fetus, which is why it best explains the scenario. Other nutrients—iron for oxygen transport, folic acid for neural tube development, zinc for overall growth—are important but do not specifically drive fetal bone mineralization and birth weight in the way calcium does. Ensure adequate calcium intake through diet or appropriate supplementation, keeping in mind that iron absorption can be affected if supplements are taken together.

Calcium is essential for fetal bone mineralization, and in pregnancy the fetus relies on maternal calcium to form a strong skeleton. A pregnant adolescent faces both ongoing own bone growth and high fetal calcium needs, so if intake is insufficient, the fetus may mineralize bone less efficiently, leading to lower bone mineral density and can contribute to decreased birth weight. Among common nutrients, calcium deficiency most directly affects the skeletal system of the fetus, which is why it best explains the scenario. Other nutrients—iron for oxygen transport, folic acid for neural tube development, zinc for overall growth—are important but do not specifically drive fetal bone mineralization and birth weight in the way calcium does. Ensure adequate calcium intake through diet or appropriate supplementation, keeping in mind that iron absorption can be affected if supplements are taken together.