Folic acid (vitamin B9) - description, instructions for use, how and how much to take when planning pregnancy and after conception, symptoms of deficiency and excess of folic acid, content in food, reviews

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Folic acid enters the human body with food or is produced by microflora in the intestine. The vitamin is absorbed into the blood after being first converted into a free form and delivered to the liver, bone marrow and other organs and tissues.

Folic acid - general characteristics and biological role

Folic acid can enter the human body not only with food and dietary supplements, but also produced in the upper third of the small intestine by microorganisms of normal microflora. In many cases, folic acid is produced by microorganisms in the intestinal microflora in quantities that fully satisfy the daily needs of a person. Therefore, even if folic acid is not supplied with food in sufficient quantities, symptoms of its deficiency may not develop, since the missing amount of this vitamin is synthesized by the microflora in the intestine.

Vitamin B 9 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow. The fact is that folic acid activates enzymes that ensure the flow of biochemical reactions, during which mature red blood cells are formed. Therefore, with a deficiency of folic acid, anemia develops.

In addition, vitamin B 9 is necessary for the synthesis of proteins and DNA, and, accordingly, for cell division of all organs and tissues. During division, new cells are formed to replace dead or damaged ones. That is, folic acid provides the process of repair and replacement of dead cellular elements with new ones and, thus, maintains the normal structure of all organs and tissues. In addition, folic acid ensures the normal development of the fetus, especially in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, since it is during this period that very intensive cell division takes place, during which organs and tissues are formed.

Since the formation of new cells occurs at an unequal rate in different tissues, the need for folic acid in different organs is different. Thus, the greatest need for folic acid is experienced by tissues in which there is a frequent renewal of the cellular composition, namely the skin, mucous membranes, hair, blood, testicles in men and ovaries in women, the fetus in the early stages of pregnancy, etc. That is why with a deficiency of folic acids primarily affect organs in which intensive cell division occurs.

So, with a deficiency of folic acid, defective spermatozoa and eggs are formed, malformations are formed in the fetus, the skin becomes dry, flaky and flabby, and various diseases develop in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. This is because the cells of these organs are intensively dividing and they need folic acid for the normal course of this process.

In addition, vitamin B 9 is involved in the production of serotonin, the hormone of joy, which ensures a normal mood and well-being. Therefore, with a lack of folic acid, a person can develop dementia (dementia), depression, neurosis, and some other disorders of brain function.

Folic acid is also involved in the transmission of nerve impulses. Therefore, with a deficiency of folic acid, neuritis and polyneuritis can develop.

Folic acid - application

Folic acid when planning pregnancy

When planning a pregnancy it is recommended to start taking folic acid 3 to 4 months before the intended conception so that by the time the fetal egg attaches to the wall of the uterus in the woman's body there is no deficiency of this vitamin. When the results of the tests reveal conception, folic acid should be continued until at least the 12th week of pregnancy . After this gestation period, folic acid intake can be discontinued or continued at the request of the woman if she does not have a deficiency of this vitamin. If there are signs of folic acid deficiency, then it must be taken before childbirth in an individual dosage prescribed by a doctor. In addition, if a woman who is not folate deficient is willing and financially able to take folic acid after 12 weeks of pregnancy, she can also do so until delivery. Moreover, doctors and scientists consider it desirable to take folic acid at the planning stage and after the 12th week of gestation before delivery. And taking folic acid from the beginning to the 12th week of pregnancy is considered mandatory by doctors.

The importance of the use of folic acid at the planning stage and during pregnancy is due to the fact that this vitamin is critical for the rapid reproduction of cells that occurs during the growth of the embryo. With a deficiency of this vitamin, malformations of the nervous system are formed, and there is also an increased risk of miscarriages, placental abruption, intrauterine fetal death, etc. Thus, it was found that taking folic acid in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy prevents malformations of the nervous system in the fetus by 70%.

In addition, folacin prevents miscarriages, miscarriages, miscarriage, placental abruption and other complications of pregnancy, which are especially dangerous in its early stages, since they almost inevitably lead to the death of the fetus.

At the stage of pregnancy planning in most countries, including the CIS, doctors recommend taking 400 micrograms of folic acid per day for women who have not previously had births or miscarriages of fetuses with neural tube defects. If a woman has had cases of miscarriages or births of fetuses with neural tube defects, or she is taking antiepileptic drugs or cytostatics, then in this case, the dosage of folic acid at the stage of pregnancy planning should be increased to 800 - 4000 mcg per day. The exact dosage is determined by the doctor individually. After the onset of pregnancy, women should take folic acid in the same dosage as at the planning stage, up to the 12th week of gestation.

folic acid during pregnancy

Vitamins with folic acid must be taken from the beginning of pregnancy until the 12th week of gestation, inclusive. This means that as soon as a woman finds out that she is pregnant, she should start taking folic acid on the same day. If vitamin B 9 was taken before pregnancy at the planning stage, then after the onset of conception, it is necessary to continue taking it at the same dosage up to and including the 12th week of gestation.

Starting from the 13th week of gestation, folic acid must be taken by pregnant women who are deficient in this vitamin or who are taking drugs that reduce its absorption, such as antiepileptic and antimalarial drugs, as well as cytostatics. For all other women, starting from the 13th week of gestation, it is recommended to continue taking folic acid until childbirth, but this is not necessary, but desirable.

If from the second trimester a woman starts taking poly vitamin complexes for pregnant women, you do not need to additionally drink folic acid, since this vitamin is part of all modern multivitamins. If these vitamin complexes are not taken during the entire pregnancy, then at times when a woman does not use them, it is advisable to drink folic acid separately.

During pregnancy, folic acid is recommended to be taken at a dosage of 400 micrograms per day for women who have not previously had births or miscarriages of children with neural tube defects. If a woman in the past had cases of childbirth or spontaneous abortions with a fetus with neural tube defects, then she should take folic acid at a dosage of 1000-4000 mcg (1-4 mg) per day. In addition, increase the dosage of folic acid to 800 - 4000 mcg should be pregnant women who take antiepileptic, antimalarial drugs or cytostatics. In these cases, the dosage of the vitamin is determined by the doctor individually.

Folic acid intake by pregnant women is mandatory, since this vitamin is very important for the normal course of pregnancy, as well as the growth and development of the fetus. Thus, the lack of folic acid is one of the main triggers that provoke miscarriage, spontaneous miscarriage, placental abruption, intrauterine fetal death, as well as the formation of neural tube malformations in a child. If malformations of the neural tube were formed at an early stage of pregnancy (up to 8-9 weeks), then in almost all cases they are not compatible with life, that is, fetal death and miscarriage occur. If the malformations of the neural tube formed after 8-9 weeks of gestation, then this can lead to the birth of a child with hydrocephalus, cerebral hernia, etc. In addition, even if the child does not develop neural tube malformations against the background of folic acid deficiency in the body of a pregnant woman, then after birth he may suffer from mental retardation, psychoses, neuroses, etc.

In addition, a lack of folic acid negatively affects the course of pregnancy and the general well-being of the woman herself. So, with a deficiency of this vitamin in a pregnant woman, the risk of developing toxicosis, depression, pain in the legs and anemia increases significantly. A lack of folic acid in the body of a pregnant woman can manifest itself with the following symptoms:

• Chronic fatigue and irritability;
• neuroses;
• Anxiety, anxiety;
• Feeling of heaviness in the stomach;
• memory impairment;
• Apathy;
• Dry skin and hair loss.

Dosage of folic acid in planning and pregnancy

If in the past a woman has had cases of miscarriage or the birth of children with neural tube defects (for example, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, etc.), then at the planning stage she should take folic acid at 1000 - 4000 mcg (1 - 4 mg) per day. After the onset of pregnancy, this category of women should take folic acid in the same dosage, that is, 1000 - 4000 mcg per day. In such situations, the dosage is determined by the doctor individually.

If a woman takes any drugs that reduce the absorption of folic acid (for example, antiepileptic, antimalarial, sulfanilamide, antihyperlipidemic, anti-tuberculosis, cytostatics, nitrofurans, drugs with alcohol, glucocorticoids, Aspirin in high doses), then she should drink at the planning stage of pregnancy folic acid at 800 - 4000 mcg per day. When pregnancy occurs, this category of women should take folic acid in the same dosage as at the planning stage, that is, 800-4000 mcg per day.

In addition, these women need to take folic acid without fail not until the 12th week of gestation, but throughout pregnancy or during the period during which drugs are taken that impair the absorption of the vitamin. That is, if medications are taken throughout pregnancy, then folic acid is also taken in the indicated dosages before childbirth. If, at some stage of pregnancy, a woman stops taking drugs that impair the absorption of folic acid, then she should do the following:

• If this happened before the 12th week of gestation, then it is mandatory to continue taking folic acid at a dosage of 400 mcg per day until the beginning of the 13th week;
• If this happens after the 12th week, then you should either stop taking folic acid, or continue, but reduce its dosage to 400 mcg per day.

Folic acid for men

In addition, folic acid is very important for conceiving a child, both for men and women. So, it is vitamin B 9 that takes part in the process of maturation and formation of normal, not defective, full-fledged spermatozoa in men. And therefore, taking folic acid by men increases the likelihood of conceiving a healthy child.

Recent studies have shown that taking folic acid at a dosage of 600 - 1000 mcg reduces the number of defective spermatozoa with the wrong number of chromosomes by 20 - 30%, which, accordingly, prevents the birth of children with malformations and genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome , Shershevsky-Turner syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Creutzfeldt-Jakob syndrome, etc.

In addition, a decrease in the number of defective sperm cells while taking folic acid increases the likelihood of conception. Thus, a man taking folic acid will be able to impregnate a woman faster and, in addition, healthier offspring will be born from him.

That is why men are advised to include foods rich in folic acid in their diet, such as liver, beef, pork, tuna, salmon, cheeses, legumes, bran, nuts, leafy vegetables, etc. In addition, men can take vitamins or supplements to get enough folic acid.

Separately, it should be noted the recommendation of doctors to take folic acid preparations at a dosage of 800 mcg per day for a week after drinking a large amount of alcohol. This recommendation is aimed at replenishing the deficiency of folic acid in the body of a man, which inevitably occurs after heavy alcohol consumption, since ethyl alcohol disrupts absorption and leaches this vitamin from organs and tissues.

Folic acid for children

Folic acid deficiency in children leads to the following negative consequences:

• Development of macrocytic anemia;
• Lagging in weight;
• Inhibition of hematopoiesis;
• Violation of the normal process of maturation of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract and skin;
• Increased risk of developing enteritis, diaper rash and delayed psychomotor development.

Formula feeding does not correct an infant's folic acid deficiency, as this vitamin is destroyed when formula is heated. In addition, artificial feeding can lead to folic acid deficiency in an infant who was born without it, for the same reason - the destruction of the vitamin during the heating of the mixture.

Therefore, full-term children under one year of age who are bottle-fed are recommended to give vitamin B 9 at a dosage of 100 mcg per day. Premature babies, regardless of the type of feeding, must be given folic acid 100 mcg per day, because 2 to 3 weeks after birth, they develop vitamin deficiency and increase the risk of infectious complications.

Folic acid (vitamin B9) when planning pregnancy: instructions for use and dosage, recommended foods, advice from a geneticist - video

Instructions for use of folic acid

General rules

• Insufficient quantity or quality of food;
• Increased need for folic acid (pregnant women, nursing mothers, premature babies, newborns who are bottle-fed);
• Reduced absorption of folic acid (for example, with alcoholism, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic diarrhea, malabsorption syndrome, sprue, taking antiepileptic drugs, medications with trimethoprim, methotrexate, etc.);
• The presence of malnutrition (insufficient body weight), ulcers on the oral mucosa, anemia and chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

Prophylactically, folic acid is taken at a dosage of 200 - 400 mcg per day. It is allowed to increase the preventive dosage of folic acid to 800 mcg per day, especially for nursing mothers and young children.

To eliminate folic acid deficiency, vitamin preparations and dietary supplements are taken in higher dosages compared to prophylactic ones. In such cases, the dosage is determined by the doctor individually and can reach up to 75-80 mg per day. That is, the therapeutic dose of folic acid can be 200 times higher than the prophylactic one.

Taking folic acid preparations to eliminate its deficiency in the body is necessary if you have the following symptoms:

• Megaloblastic anemia associated with thrombocytopenia and leukopenia;
• Dry red "varnished" tongue;
• atrophic or erosive gastritis;
• Enteritis with diarrhea;
• growth retardation in children;
• Prolonged healing of wounds;
• Immunodeficiency;
• Exacerbation of chronic infectious diseases;
• Subfebrile body temperature, recorded for at least three weeks;
• memory impairment;
• Irritability;
• Hostility towards others;

Besides, folic acid in therapeutic dosages is used in the complex treatment of the following diseases:

• Enteritis;
• Diseases of the hematopoietic organs (bone marrow, spleen, liver);
• chronic hepatitis;
• Cirrhosis of the liver;
• Atherosclerosis;
• Psoriasis;
• Depression;
• Increased anxiety;
• Dysplasia of the cervix.

Dosage of folic acid

To eliminate the deficiency of folic acid identified by the results of the analyzes (blood concentration below 3 ng / ml), it should be taken at a dosage of 800 - 5000 mcg per day. In this case, the dosage is determined by the doctor individually and is adjusted based on the concentration of folic acid in the blood according to the analysis. To eliminate the deficiency, folic acid in the indicated dosages must be taken within 20 to 30 days. After that, it is recommended to switch to taking folic acid in a prophylactic dosage (200-400 mcg per day), which can be continued for several months until the state of health is completely normalized and all deficiency symptoms disappear.

For the treatment of folate deficiency anemia, vitamin B 9 preparations should be taken at 1000 mcg per day until the blood picture and hemoglobin level are normalized.

However, for the treatment of folate deficiency anemia and the elimination of a lack of vitamin B 9 in the body in people suffering from alcohol dependence, malabsorption syndrome, liver failure, cirrhosis of the liver, as well as those who have undergone removal of the stomach or are under stress, the dosage of folic acid is increased to 5000 mcg per day.

In the complex therapy of various diseases (atherosclerosis, cervical dysplasia, psoriasis, etc.), folic acid should be taken in very high dosages - from 15 to 80 mg per day (15,000 - 80,000 mcg), which are determined by the doctor individually.

How much to take folic acid?

In the treatment of folic acid deficiency vitamin in therapeutic dosages must be taken within 20 to 30 days. After that, you should switch to taking folic acid in prophylactic dosages (200-400 mcg per day).

In the treatment of folate deficiency anemia vitamin should be taken up to the normalization of the blood picture (the disappearance of giant erythrocytes from it) and the level of hemoglobin.

When using folic acid in the complex therapy of various diseases the duration of its administration is determined by the doctor individually in each case. However, usually in such cases, folic acid in high dosages is taken for a long time.

How to take vitamin B 9?

How much folic acid does a person need per day?

• Newborns up to six months - 65 mcg per day;
• Children 7 - 12 months - 85 mcg per day;
• Children 1 - 3 years -150 - 300 mcg per day;
• Children 4 - 8 years old - 200 - 400 mcg per day;
• Children 9 - 13 years old - 300 - 600 mcg per day;
• Children 14 - 18 years old - 400 - 800 mcg per day;
• Men and women over 19 years old - 400 - 1000 mcg per day;
• Pregnant women and nursing mothers - 600 - 1000 mcg per day.

folic acid deficiency

Vitamin B 9 deficiency can develop for the following reasons:

1. Insufficient intake of vitamin with food (qualitatively or quantitatively inadequate diet).

2. Increased need for a vitamin (pregnancy, breastfeeding, period of intensive growth in children and adolescents, skin diseases, hemolytic anemia, etc.).

3. Poor absorption of folic acid in the intestines in various chronic diseases (for example, enteritis, chronic diarrhea, sprue, malabsorption syndrome, etc.).

4. The binding of folic acid and the deterioration of its digestibility while taking certain medications, such as:

• Medicines containing alcohol;
• Pentamine;
• Triamterene;
• Pyrimethamine;
• Trimethoprim;
• Aminopterin;
• Amethopterin;
• Sulfonamides;
• Antiepileptic drugs;
• Antimalarials;
• anti-tuberculosis drugs;
• Antihyperlipidemic drugs;
• Cytostatics;
• Preparations containing nitrofurans;
• Glucocorticoids;
• Aspirin in high dosages.

• Megaloblastic anemia;
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count in the blood);
• Leukopenia (low white blood cell count);
• Elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood;
• Cheilosis (blanching, maceration, transverse cracks and a bright red border at the junction of the lower and upper lips);
• Gunther's glossitis (dry, red, "varnished" tongue);
• Esophagitis;
• Conjunctivitis;
• Atrophic or erosive gastritis;
• Enteritis with diarrhea;
• Steatorrhea.

Brand name: Folic acid

International non-proprietary name:

folic acid

Dosage form:

pills

Folic acid composition:

1 tablet contains:

active substance:

folic acid - 0.001 g

Excipients:

lactose (milk sugar), stearic acid, potato starch, talc.

Description: tablets from light yellow to yellow, flat-cylindrical with a chamfer. Slight marbling is allowed.

Pharmacotherapeutic group:

ATX code:

Pharmacological properties

Pharmacodynamics:

Vitamin B group (vitamin Bc, vitamin B9) can be synthesized by the intestinal microflora. In the body, folic acid is reduced to tetrahydrofolic acid, which is a coenzyme involved in various metabolic processes. It is necessary for the normal maturation of megaloblasts and the formation of normoblasts. Stimulates erythropoiesis, participates in the synthesis of amino acids (including glycine, methionine), nucleic acids, purines, pyrimidines, in the metabolism of choline, histidine.

Pharmacokinetics:

Folic acid, prescribed as a drug, is well and completely absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, mainly in the upper duodenum (even in the presence of malabsorption syndrome against the background of tropical sprue, at the same time, food folates are poorly absorbed in malabsorption syndrome). Intensively binds to plasma proteins.

Penetrates through the blood-brain and placental barriers and passes into breast milk.

Time to reach maximum plasma concentration (TC m ah) is 30-60 minutes.

It is deposited and metabolized in the liver with the formation of tetrahydrofolic acid (in the presence of ascorbic acid under the action of dihydrofolate reductase).

Excreted by the kidneys mainly as metabolites; if the accepted dose significantly exceeds the daily requirement for folic acid, then it is excreted unchanged.

Excreted by hemodialysis.

Folic acid indications for use

Treatment of megaloblastic anemia due to folic acid deficiency. Prevention and treatment of folic acid deficiency in tropical and non-tropical sprue, malnutrition.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the components that make up the drug; childhood; B12 deficiency anemia.

Use during pregnancy and lactation

Folic acid method of administration and dosage

The drug is used orally, after eating 1 mg / day. At high doses, resistance may occur.

The course of treatment is 20-30 days.

Side effect

Allergic reactions - skin rash, pruritus, bronchospasm, erythema, hyperthermia.

Overdose

Data on overdose are not available.

Interaction with other drugs

Anticonvulsants (including phenytoin and carbamazepine), estrogens, oral contraceptives increase the need for folic acid. Folic acid reduces the effectiveness of phenytoin.

Antacids (including calcium, aluminum and magnesium preparations), cholestyramine, sulfonamides (including sulfasalazine) reduce the absorption of folic acid.

Methotrexate, pyrimethamine, triamterene, trimethoprim inhibit dihydrofolate reductase and reduce the effect of folic acid (calcium folinate should be given instead to patients using these drugs).

special instructions

Folic acid is not used to treat B12-deficient (pernicious), normocytic and aplastic anemia. With pernicious (B12-deficient) anemia, folic acid, improving hematological parameters, masks neurological manifestations. Until pernicious anemia is excluded, the appointment of folic acid in doses exceeding 0.1 mg / day is not recommended (with the exception of pregnancy and lactation).

Patients on hemodialysis require increased amounts of folic acid (up to 5 mg/day).

During treatment, antacids should be used 2 hours after taking folic acid, cholestyramine - 4-6 hours before or 1 hour after taking folic acid. It should be borne in mind that antibiotics can distort (deliberately underestimate) the results of microbiological assessment of the concentration of folic acid in plasma and erythrocytes.

Vitamin B9 (folic acid) belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins. For its useful properties, it has been given several “folk” names - “female vitamin”, “leaf vitamin”. It was isolated from spinach leaves (leaf in Latin - "folicum") by the English scientist N. Mitchell. Partially synthesized by the intestinal microflora, most of it enters the body with food.

All doctors and scientists recognize that it is vitamin B9 that is the “basis of the foundations” of the human body.

The effect of vitamin B9 (folic acid) on the body

The action of vitamin B9 is to regulate the development of new cells, chemical processes and enzyme activity. Folic acid is a participant in the synthesis of blood cells, in particular erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets, the synthesis of amino acids and RNA. This is important for the formation of the fetus and the prevention of fetal defects and premature birth. The required dosage of folic acid normalizes metabolism, the digestive process.

It is worth remembering that vitamin B9 has the most useful action only in conjunction with vitamin B12, the absence of one of them sharply limits the property and action of the other.

With age, the functioning of the digestive tract begins to become more difficult, the body is no longer able to fully block poisons and toxins that enter with food and from the environment, protein absorption becomes more difficult. Eliminate these problems in the state of vitamin B9, its lack can aggravate the situation.

When exposed to folic acid, serotonin is released - the “hormone of joy”. Its lack can lead to depression, stress, which today affects young people and the working population. Therefore, folic acid was given another nickname - "vitamin Have a good mood».

In addition to the above, immune processes, regeneration of the skin and internal tissues, hair growth fall into the sphere of its influence. So to the attention of both women and men: a lack of folic acid necessarily leads to premature hair loss and baldness. Here the result of a bad attitude towards your body will be evident!

What keeps folic acid from being absorbed?

It is not easy to get folic acid, we lose part of it when digesting food, we destroy part of it by taking alcohol, drugs, smoking. The ability to be absorbed is significantly reduced with impaired liver function.

As already known, vitamin B9 can be independently produced in the intestines, but who among the inhabitants of large cities today can boast of a healthy stomach? Will have to use extra dairy products, live yoghurts, complexes with bifidobacteria - will not hurt!

Heat treatment destroys the vitamin very quickly, so when cooking, try to close the pan with a lid and do not overcook. In addition, folic acid is degraded by sunlight room temperature.

Cheese and meat contain a certain substance - methionine, which contributes to the expenditure of folic acid in an unnecessary direction. It is for this reason, and also thanks to a plant-based diet, that vegetarians do not know problems with a lack of beneficial substance.

Alcohol is a terrible enemy of vitamin B6, but bifidobacteria, on the contrary, catalyze its own production. You just need to replace alcoholic cocktails with biokefir and your mood will rise, because the level of the “good mood vitamin” will increase. But there will be no hangover syndrome. It's a pity, right?

Vitamin B9 should be taken in a balanced complex with B12 and ascorbic acid, because. large doses of one can neutralize the effect of others.

Folic acid is also able to neutralize many drugs: aspirin, nitrofuran drugs, antiepileptic drugs (large doses of B9 can have the same effect on them), anti-tuberculosis therapy.

Daily rate

The daily intake of vitamin B9 is purely individual and depends on the circumstances. The optimal dosages for an adult are within 200 mcg - a minimum and 500 mcg - a maximum per day, but the main condition is regularity. The minimum dose guarantees a healthy lifestyle. However, with an increase in mental and physical activity, stressful condition or illness, care must be taken to increase the dosage. During pregnancy and during the period of feeding newborns, as well as with age, the dosage should increase significantly, and consultation with a doctor will determine its norm.

By the way, not only a woman should take care of the health of her unborn child. During the period of pregnancy planning, a man absolutely does not interfere with the additional intake of vitamin B9.

For children, the norms depend on age:

• 0-12 months - 50 mcg;
• 1-3 years - 70 mcg;
• 4-6 years - 100 mcg;
• 6-10 years - 150 mcg;
• From 11 years of age and over - you can give an adult dose of 200 mcg.

Sources of Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Products containing the maximum amount of the beneficial substance indicated above are easy to determine - they are all dark green in color, since nothing new has been discovered in this regard. It is worth consuming them every day to improve health, including mental health, as well as to increase stamina.

The list is quite extensive, so compiling the “correct” menu will not be difficult. Let's start in order:

An interesting fact is that rural milk contains a lot of vitamin B9, but in the store pasteurized and sterilized - not a gram.

Vitamin B9 (folic acid) deficiency

A lack of vitamin B9 can cause serious damage to all functions of the human body. First of all, it will affect the growth of cells, which in turn will cause the growth of cancer cells, mental retardation in children, disrupt the central nervous system and blood formation processes.

Signs of a lack of folic acid in the body: depressed anxiety, fear, problems with memory, digestion, anemia, "red tongue" - stomatitis in the mouth, early gray hair, problems during pregnancy. Human activity is significantly reduced. Aggression or irritability is manifested, which can later develop into mania and paranoia. These symptoms must be recognized, otherwise folic acid deficiency will lead to more serious complications, such as nervous disorders, early menopause or problems with puberty in girls, atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.

Folic acid prevents skin diseases and hair problems, so you understand what a deficiency can lead to!

Vitamin B9 is quickly consumed by people leading an active lifestyle and beach lovers under the sun. They are advised to take additional doses of folic acid in order to avoid a significant lack of it in the body.

Too much vitamin B9 (folic acid)

Hypervitaminosis is observed extremely rarely, it is unrealistic to obtain such an amount from products, therefore it is possible only when taking pharmacological forms of folic acid for several months. This leads to overexcitability, sleep disturbances and intestinal disorders.

An excess of folic acid in pregnant women can manifest itself in the newborn in the form of asthma.

Indications for appointment

Indications for the appointment of vitamin B9 can be considered:

Content in pharmaceutical preparations

Folic acid is produced as a separate preparation, sometimes in a complex of all B vitamins. It can be an integral part of multivitamin preparations, where a balanced complex is assembled.

Synthetic forms of folic acid are almost 2 times more active than natural ones. 600 micrograms in tablets are equivalent to 1000 micrograms of the substance from food.

Folic acid (vitamin B9)- is included in the group of water-soluble substances, synthesized in a small amount in the human gastrointestinal tract. This element is involved in many processes, so it is necessary to regularly replenish its stocks - special nutritional supplements will help in this. This element is also present in plant products - asparagus, leafy and legume vegetables, all types of cabbage, citrus fruits.

Folic acid is very important for the human body

Release form, composition and price

Folic acid (folic acid) is produced in the form of tablets and capsules, which contain 1, 4, 5 mg of the active substance. Among other ingredients, the composition contains talc, sucrose, stearic acid, dextrose.

What does a vitamin B9 tablet look like? Flat, slightly elongated pill with a dividing strip in the middle, milky or yellow. They are packaged in blisters of 10 pieces, in a package there can be 20, 30, 50, 100 tablets. Plastic bottles containing 50 pills are also on sale. The average price is 40–70 rubles.

Vitamin B9 tablets

An overdose of vitamin B9 is just as dangerous as its lack. Take drugs with an increased dosage should only be prescribed by a specialist.

Pharmacological action of folic acid

Upon penetration into the body, vitamin B9 is transformed into tetrahydrofolate - this element is involved in biochemical processes, protein metabolism. As a result, the synthesis of proteins, amino acids, the process of cell division is activated, and the absorption of iron improves.

The drug is almost completely absorbed, absorption occurs in the small intestine and duodenum, after 3-6 hours its maximum concentration is observed in the blood.

Useful properties and indications

The main purpose of vitamin B9 is participation in the synthesis of DNA and RNA molecules that contain the genetic code. Even a slight failure in this process can cause serious disorders in the body. Folic acid helps to strengthen protective functions body, normalizes the work of the heart muscle and blood vessels, participates in the process of hematopoiesis, is useful for the liver and stomach.

Indications for use:

• prevention of the development of fetal pathologies;
• diet, pregnancy, smoking, long-term use of potent drugs, and other factors in which there is a lack of vitamin B9;
• violation of the process of absorption of nutrients in the intestine;
• megaloblastic anemia;
• medicinal, radiation leukopenia;
• intestinal tuberculosis;
• nervous fatigue, attacks of aggression, depression;
• chronic gastroenteritis.

Vitamin B9 is essential during pregnancy

To prevent the occurrence of a lack of vitamin B9, you need to take 100–200 mcg of this drug daily, during pregnancy and lactation, the dose should be increased to 400–1000 mcg.

Benefits for Women

Folic acid is required for normal functioning reproductive system, it is prescribed to women during pregnancy planning, it is also necessary when carrying a child. It is useful for teenagers, the elderly to reduce the manifestations of hormonal imbalance.

Effect on the female body:

• improves brain function, helps to concentrate, eliminates signs of chronic fatigue;
• during lactation, vitamin with mother's milk enters the baby's body, which helps to strengthen the child's immunity;
• reduces the likelihood of developing anemia, cancer of the breast and pancreas, colon, depression;
• normalizes the level of homocysteine;
• activates the regeneration process in the cells of the epidermis;
• prevents hair loss.

With a lack of vitamin B9, women can develop megaloblastic anemia, which manifests itself in the form of shortness of breath, migraine, fatigue, bright red tongue, rapid heartbeat and distracted attention. Most often, this pathology develops during menopause, after the birth of a child. The element increases the likelihood of conception, contributes to the successful bearing of a child - if one of the spouses has a chronic lack of this element, the probability of fertilization of the egg is reduced to zero.

With a lack of folic acid, frequent shortness of breath may occur.

It is important to take folic acid in the first trimester - it reduces the likelihood of developing neural tube defects, heart defects, anomalies of the limbs, palate, urinary tract in the fetus. With its deficiency in the body, the risk of miscarriage, premature delivery increases, often there is late toxicosis, placental abruption. Women who did not take vitamin B9 during childbearing are more likely to give birth to children with insufficient body weight, autistic disorders.

In addition to oral administration, vitamin B9 can be used in cosmetology - masks will help get rid of age spots, improve complexion, prevent wrinkles, strengthen nails and hair.

Lack of appetite, inflammatory processes in oral cavity, delayed puberty in adolescent girls, early gray hair and premature menopause are all consequences of chronic vitamin B9 deficiency.

Why is it necessary to take the drug after 40 years

Vitamin B9 helps to delay or endure menopause more easily, eliminates many unpleasant symptoms, since it has the same effect on the body as estrogen does. Therefore, women aged 45–50 years should take folic acid regularly after a preliminary one.

The benefits of vitamin B9 in menopause:

• reduces the likelihood of hot flashes, the development of heart attacks, strokes, diabetes;
• eliminates anxiety, improves sleep quality;
• normalizes sweating and blood pressure indicators;
• prevents the occurrence of failures in the heart rhythm.

After 40 years, vitamin B9 is necessary for the normalization of pressure

Vitamin B9 protects a woman's body from macular degeneration - an ophthalmic pathology in which the tissues of the retina of the eye are destroyed, vision is greatly impaired.

Why do men need folic acid?

Vitamin B9 should be taken by men when planning pregnancy together - with a lack of this element, sperm synthesis is disrupted, the composition of seminal fluid worsens, and infertility develops. Poor-quality male germ cells often contain the wrong set of chromosomes, which can cause the development of Down syndrome, Turner syndrome and other congenital anomalies in the fetus.

Regular intake of 400 mg of folic acid improves potency, increases stress resistance, normalizes the digestive system, and improves brain function. This element is necessary for young men at puberty - it contributes to the formation of secondary sexual characteristics.

Folic acid is necessary for men to maintain potency

Men who smoke, regularly drink alcohol, need to take 700-1100 mg of vitamin B9 per day - addictions provoke the rapid destruction of this substance.

What is useful for children

Vitamin B9 is prescribed for premature babies, newborns with low weight, children with diseases of the digestive system - it prevents the occurrence of anemia. This substance is useful for autism - it reduces the manifestation of the disease, improves speech and communication skills.

Benefits for children:

• accelerates the process of hematopoiesis;
• strengthens the immune system;
• normalizes the digestive system;
• regulates the processes of inhibition and excitation of the nervous system, facilitates social adaptation in the team;
• improves brain activity, which contributes to high academic performance;
• eliminates the manifestation of mental, emotional and physical overwork;
• helps to more easily survive hormonal changes at puberty.

Vitamin B9 is important for a child's brain activity

It is difficult to correctly separate the necessary part from the whole tablet, which contains 1 mg of the active ingredient, it is easier to prepare a solution. Dissolve a quarter of the pill in 25 ml of cool water - 1 ml of liquid contains 10 mcg vitaminB9.

Instructions for use of folic acid

The intake of vitamin B9 in doses that exceed the daily requirement of the body is indicated for a pronounced manifestation of a lack of folic acid, the presence of facts that contribute to the rapid removal of this element from the body. Drink medicine should be taken during meals or immediately after meals.

In what cases is it required to take vitamin B9 in therapeutic doses:

• taking combined oral contraceptives, anticonvulsants before conception;
• long-term use of Maalox and Phosphalugel;
• protein diet, insufficient amount of plant foods in the diet;
• dysfunction of the digestive system;
• severe toxicity.

Vitamin B9 is needed if the diet is low in plant foods

The therapeutic dose is 4–5 mg per day, the course of administration is 1–2 months. With anemia, to prevent its development, it is necessary to drink 1 mg of the drug daily for 60–90 days.

During pregnancy planning, in the first trimester it is necessary to take up to 2-3 mg of the drug per day. In such doses, the doctor prescribes a vitamin if a woman or her immediate family has a history of diabetes, epilepsy. The recommended dose for breastfeeding is 0.3 mg per day.

How to take the drug for various pathologies

Preparations based on vitamin B9 are included in complex therapy to eliminate the manifestations of many diseases.

Daily Intake of Vitamin B9 for Children

Children are allowed to be given folic acid from birth, because their bodies produce this substance in small doses.

Doses of the drug depending on the age of the child:

You can take folic acid almost from birth

Contraindications

Despite the great value for the body, taking vitamin B9 is contraindicated in some cases, all restrictions are described in detail in the annotation.

When should you not take folic acid?

• individual intolerance to fructose;
• the presence of malignant neoplasms;
• vitamin B12 malabsorption, cobalamin deficiency;
• diagnosing disorders of iron metabolism;
• excess hemosiderin.

Do not take folic acid in the presence of malignant neoplasms

Asthmatics should refrain from taking vitamin B9 - a severe attack, spasms may begin. It is not recommended to drink this drug for people with renal insufficiency, pyelonephritis - a large amount of folic acid provokes the growth of the epithelium of the renal tubules.

The harm of folic acid

Vitamin B9 is well tolerated by the body, slight excesses are excreted in the urine, no deterioration is observed. In case of an overdose, serious disturbances in the functioning of the nervous and digestive systems can occur. In children, there is increased excitability, disorder of the stool. Adults suffer from chronic insomnia.

An overdose of vitamin B9 in a child may begin to upset the stool

Long-term use of folic acid in megaloblastic anemia is dangerous - the drug stops the signs of the disease, but does not stop the development of neurological pathologies that often develop against the background of the disease.

Possible adverse reactions - erythema, bronchospasm, fever, rash, redness of the skin, nausea, vomiting. Bitter taste in the mouth.

If the dosages of vitamin B9 are exceeded during pregnancy, the risk of giving birth to a child with a weakened immune system, a tendency to bronchial asthma, increases.

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin B9. The vitamin was first identified in 1930 by Wils and Mehta. The discovery was called "The Wheels Factor". Folic acid supplementation has helped cure anemic pregnant women in India.

This vitamin was later obtained from spinach leaves and was called folic acid (from the Latin folium - leaf). Unlike most bacteria and yeasts, mammals cannot synthesize folic acid on their own and therefore require folic acid in their diet. This vitamin is present in the body in a family of at least nine structurally related chemical compounds collectively referred to as folic acid. The term "folic acid" refers to the synthetic form of vitamin B9. Folic acid, which is not biologically active on its own, is found in foods. It is also available as a dietary supplement. Folic acid can be converted by living cells in the body into a biologically active form called tetrahydrofolic acid.

The use of folic acid

Folic acid and its dependent reactions are fundamental for DNA synthesis and maintenance of its integrity. Thus, the use of folic acid is necessary for cell growth and replication, as well as for antimicrobial drug therapy. In addition, the use of folic acid contributes to the production of special enzymes, the action of which ensures the prevention of the appearance of tumors.

The most common disorders of folate metabolism result from insufficient intake of folic acid, the use of certain drug therapy, smoking, alcoholism, and genetic mutations. Folic acid deficiency occurs in many populations, including pregnant and lactating women, women aged twenty to forty-four, adolescents, and the elderly. Folic acid intake should be increased significantly during pregnancy due to the high demand for folate from the growing fetus and placenta. Folic acid deficiency can manifest as megaloblastic anemia associated with an increase in red blood cells due to a decrease in DNA synthesis. Other clinical symptoms include inflammation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, hyperpigmentation, and fever. The price of folic acid is rather insignificant, combined with the benefits that can not be overestimated. In addition, folic acid tablets are commercially available.

folic acid intake

In 1998, the National Academy of Sciences issued a package leaflet for folic acid that listed the dosage of folic acid. The optimal dose of folic acid is in the range of 400 mcg for men and women aged fourteen years and younger, with a minimum folic acid dose of 200 mcg per person per day.

How to drink folic acid? For these groups of people, the source of folic acid is not important. However, it is recommended for women childbearing age consume additional 400 micrograms per day of folic acid from fortified foods and/or supplement folic acid with the diet. It is very important that during pregnancy women consume folic acid in sufficient quantities, the price of the issue in this case is the birth of a healthy child. However, indications for the use of folic acid have limitations. Doses of folic acid should not exceed 1 mg per day.

Synthetic folic acid is better absorbed by the intestines than natural folic acid. 0.01 mg of dietary folic acid is equivalent to 0.6 micrograms of synthetic folic acid.

Folic acid. Instruction

Indications for the use of folic acid include the following cases:

Abnormal Pap smear results - may occur with long-term use of birth control pills. In this case, folic acid is used for treatment. Instructions for use indicate how to drink folic acid in this case - doses of 10 mg per day. Reception must be carried out under the supervision of a physician. Large doses of folic acid are indicated to improve smear scores.

Birth defects - before pregnancy and in the first weeks of pregnancy, folic acid is additionally taken. Doses are at least 400 micrograms per day. Taking folic acid reduces the chance of neural tube defects.

Depression and folic acid deficiency - the dosage is prescribed by the doctor, after assessing the condition. Reviews show that taking folic acid helps to get rid of the negative effects of depression.

Folic acid is used to lower homocysteine ​​levels. The instructions for use recommend a volume of 400 to 1000 mcg daily in combination with vitamin B6 (10 to 50 mcg) and B12 (50 to 300 mcg). Vitamin B6, folic acid, and vitamin B12 all play a role in converting homocysteine ​​to other substances in the body and consequently lowering its levels in further tests.

Pregnancy and postpartum support. The dosage of folic acid is 800 mcg per day. Start taking the drug - before pregnancy. Supplementation with folic acid tablets protects against birth defects.

Schizophrenia and folic acid deficiency. The dosage of folic acid is 10 to 20 mg per day under medical supervision. This is the maximum amount of drug use among all cases of diseases. People with schizophrenia may tend to be deficient in folic acid and may show improvement with dietary supplementation.

Age-related weakening of intellectual activity. Folic acid is also prescribed. Reception at a rate of 800 mcg per day. Studies have shown that older people need folic acid. The indication is based on evidence of slowing the rate of cognitive decline in people with high homocysteine ​​levels.

Atherosclerosis. After consulting a doctor, folic acid is prescribed. Taking folic acid may help lower homocysteine ​​levels. Blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine ​​have been linked to atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Mammary cancer. Folic acid may reduce the risk of breast cancer by reversing DNA damage. Naturally, the treatment process begins after the cessation of alcohol consumption. Folic acid tablets are taken at a dosage of 400 mcg per day.

celiac disease. As a result of certain deviations in the activity of the body, a deficiency of nutrients occurs. However, only a doctor can prescribe folic acid. Taking the drug can correct this deficiency.

Colon cancer, folic acid treatment. Indications for use: An effective remedy for colon cancer, especially in people with ulcerative colitis and people who drink alcohol. Dose - 400 mcg per day.

Bad breath and gum disease - the treatment drug is folic acid. Instructions for use involves the use of 5 ml twice a day in a 0.1% solution. Often recommended by doctors for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis. Folic acid is also used to alleviate the effects of gingivitis. How to take: Diluted mouthwash.

Heart attack is also one of the cases when folic acid is used. The dosage is from 500 to 800 mcg per day. Taking folic acid helps lower homocysteine ​​levels. Exceeding the normal level of homocysteine ​​is associated with an increased risk of heart attack.

Temporary lameness - alpha-linolenic acid, fish oil, oleic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin E, folic acid. Dosage: 200 mg EPA and 130 mg DHA per day, plus small amounts of vitamin B6, vitamin E, folic acid, oleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid.

Macular degeneration - vitamins: B6, B12, folic acid. The instruction prescribes the use of 2.5 mg of folic acid, 50 mg of vitamin B6 and 1 mg of vitamin B12. Two independent studies have shown that supplementing these vitamins leads to a reduction in age-related macular degeneration.

Migraine (for most people) - 5 mg per day of folic acid. Reviews of folic acid supplementation show that the frequency of migraines is reduced in people with high homocysteine ​​levels.

Osteoporosis and high homocysteine ​​levels - vitamin B12 and folic acid are prescribed. The instruction recommends taking 5 mg of folic acid daily. Homocystinuria, a condition associated with high levels of homocysteine, often causes osteoporosis. By lowering homocysteine ​​levels, folic acid may help prevent osteoporosis.

Pre-eclampsia is the daily intake of folic acid. Instructions: in the amount of 5 mg. Supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B6 can lead to a decrease in homocysteine ​​levels. High levels of homocysteine ​​damage the lining of blood vessels and can lead to symptoms of preeclampsia.

sickle cell anemia and high homocystin levels. You need to consult a doctor about taking folic acid. The dosage is appointed individually. In one study of patients with sickle cell anemia who were given folic acid plus garlic extract, vitamin C, vitamin E, significant improvements and less painful crises were found.

Skin ulcers. On the recommendation of the attending physician, folic acid is prescribed. The instruction tells how to take the drug - a large amount of folic acid, both orally and by injection, can help heal chronic skin ulcers caused by poor blood circulation.

In addition to all of the above, folic acid is included in the treatment compositions for such diseases: Thalassemia, ulcerative colitis, vitiligo, Alzheimer's disease, bipolar disorder, Crohn's disease, diarrhea, Down's syndrome, epilepsy, lung cancer, psoriasis and a number of other diseases.

Folic acid is available in pharmacies without a prescription. Vitamin B9 tablets are pale yellow to yellow in color. When choosing a drug, the dosage of a particular form of release should be taken into account. The order in which folic acid is taken depends on this. For example, the popular remedy "Folic Acid 9 Months" has a dosage of 400 mcg. It is this drug that doctors often recommend: this dosage corresponds to the daily recommended need of a pregnant woman for vitamin B9. One 1 mg tablet covers the daily requirement for folate by more than 2 times. The drug "Folic acid" tablets contains 400 micrograms of the active substance, the weight of the tablet is 280 mg.

Recall the dosages of vitamin B9 for various cases:

• For the prevention of pathological conditions, an adult needs 200 mcg (0.2 mg) of vitamin per day - that is, half a tablet of 0.4 mg.
• When planning pregnancy and during the period of bearing a child, the recommended dose of the drug is from 400 mcg (0.4 mg) to 800 (0.8 mg) per day.
• Doses of 0.5 mg and above are used in the treatment of a number of pathologies, but it is not recommended to consume folate in such quantities during pregnancy.

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