Causes
These deformities are the result of a complex interplay between malnutrition, genetic and environmental factors. A lack of Folic acid and vitamin C during early pregnancy can especially promote cleft formation. An unbalanced vegetarian diet also makes severe deformities more likely (as the findings of research studies have shown). What shouldn't be forgotten here is that in India for example, a third of the population lives below the poverty line and struggles to feed itself. Genetic factors also play an important role in cleft formation. The risk they will be passed on is much greater if other family members also have the condition.