Content
This component is needed by women of any age, including pregnant women. Folic acid is a vitamin B9 that is important for the health of hair and nails, maintaining defense mechanisms, regulating metabolic processes and hematopoiesis. Some foods contain this element, but they are not always enough to provide its daily value. In this case, it is necessary to take folic acid in a synthetic form. It is especially important for women to maintain the level of this vitamin, because it helps to stay beautiful for a long time and bear a healthy child.
What is Folic Acid for Women
British physician Lucy Wils in 1932 found that in pregnant women with megaloblastic anemia, the intake of a crude extract of liver cells caused improvement. From this point on, the history of folic acid began:
- Lucy Wils concluded that the compound that promoted the recovery of pregnant women with megaloblastic anemia was eliminated by the purification of the liver extract.
- It was identified and called the Wils factor.
- A few years later, the substance was renamed vitamin M.
- Even later, this factor was identified in spinach and parsley.
- As a result, it was named Folic Acid (from Latin folium - leaf).
It is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in the development of the immune and circulatory systems. Its derivatives (di-, tri-, polyglutamates) together with it are combined into a group of substances - folates. Humans and animals receive FA from food or through synthesis by the intestinal microflora. Most of the stock of this component is concentrated in the liver. Some women have a lack of vitamin B9, so they are shown to take this substance in the form of pharmaceutical preparations.
Composition
According to its chemical structure, vitamin B9 is pteroylglutamic acid, i.e. a compound built from L-glutamic and para-aminobenzoic acid and pteridine residues. Otherwise, it is also called folacin. The substance is readily soluble in alcohol solutions and limited in water. In the FC pharmacy, there are several types of tablets. In addition to vitamin B9, preparations may include the following auxiliary components:
- lactose;
- microcrystalline cellulose;
- potato starch;
- low molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone (povidone);
- magnesium stearate;
- lactose monohydrate;
- talc;
- sucrose;
- calcium stearic acid.
Why do women need
The benefits of folic acid for women are especially evident during pregnancy. In the early stages, this substance helps the embryonic neural tube and other tissues to develop normally. With menopause, it improves overall well-being and decreases susceptibility to hormonal changes. Also, acid is useful for menstrual irregularities and planning conception. Numerous studies confirm that it helps to get pregnant by improving fertility and normalizing the body's response to estrogen.
There are many indications for FC prescribing. The main one is pregnancy planning. In this case, the drug is prescribed to be taken at least 3 months before the intended conception. This is due to the fact that this substance cannot accumulate in the body in significant quantities. Folic acid for pregnant and lactating women is useful for the following:
- reduces the risk of developing congenital defects;
- reduces the likelihood of early miscarriage;
- reduces the risk of miscarriage, intrauterine fetal death, premature placental abruption;
- prevents gestosis;
- ensures the normal development of the neural tube and fetal brain;
- participates in the creation of nucleic acids, which are necessary for the transmission of hereditary characteristics;
- improves the quality and composition of blood;
- provides the already born baby with normal immunity and intestinal function, prevents the retardation of psychomotor development;
- conducts prevention of postpartum depression.
In the body, FA is converted to tetrahydrofolate. It is part of many enzymes - proteins that catalyze reactions. Protein metabolism cannot take place without folacin. In women, this substance plays a role similar to estrogen, therefore it determines the correct development of the reproductive system. Folacin is an essential part of the division of the DNA molecule. For this reason, the deficiency of this substance is especially dangerous for rapidly dividing cells, including malignant ones.
With a lack of folacin in a woman, irritability and apathy are observed, since this vitamin is involved in the production of serotonin. PK is useful for the body and the following:
- improves memory;
- slows down aging;
- prevents the formation of blood clots;
- helps in improving immunity;
- reduces the likelihood of breast cancer;
- provides a reduction in the risk of diseases of the cardiovascular system and malignant neoplasms, especially in older women;
- increases the resistance of the nervous system to stress;
- supports the normal synthesis of red blood cells, prevents the development of anemia;
- improves the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, fights bacteria and toxins in it.
Folacin is also called a beauty vitamin, because it has a beneficial effect on a woman's appearance. It prevents the appearance of age spots and wrinkles, accelerates hair growth, and strengthens nails. For women after 40-50 years old, this component helps to reduce the negative manifestations of menopause: hot flashes, pressure surges, mood swings. In addition, vitamin B9 ensures normal protein absorption. In general, FC allows you to smooth out and even slow down the process of the onset of menopause.
Daily dose
Girls and women of different ages need a certain amount of this element. The body of an adult requires up to 300-400 mcg of FC per day. Depending on the age and condition of the woman, the daily dosage of folic acid varies as follows:
- after 40-50 years, it is recommended to increase the dose to 300-350 mcg;
- during pregnancy, the norm is 800-900 mcg;
- for prevention, it is worth taking 200 mcg;
- during lactation, it is recommended to consume 500 mcg.
Deficiency symptoms
Up to 90% of vitamin B9 is destroyed when raw food is cooked. For this reason, this element is often lacking in the diet. In addition, it can be poorly absorbed in the intestines. A deficiency is also observed during pregnancy, when more folacin is required. Symptoms of this condition appear after 8-30 days, depending on the woman's diet. Signs are always pronounced, and the most common of them are the following:
How to use
The main indication for the use of folacin is its deficiency. The choice of a particular medicine is worth considering the daily requirement, which is described above. Since there are many vitamin B9 preparations, the instructions for its use reflect only the daily dosage (no more than 1 μg) and the frequency of administration. It is not recommended to use any medication for a long time and uncontrollably, since FC reduces the concentration of vitamin B12 in the body. The list of general indications for its use includes the following pathologies:
- atherosclerosis (blockage of blood vessels by plaque);
- infertility;
- iron deficiency, drug, radiation anemia;
- aphthous stomatitis;
- viral hepatitis;
- osteochondrosis;
- colon tumor;
- colon spasm;
- epilepsy;
- gingivitis;
- periodontitis;
- tropical diarrhea;
- chronic inflammation and intestinal tuberculosis.
During pregnancy
According to statistics, most couples have an unplanned pregnancy. Few parents-to-be undergo a full screening beforehand. A woman at an early stage of pregnancy may not even guess about her position, but during this period the rudiments of the child's organs are already beginning to form, which is the basis for his future physiological and psychological development.
If at an early stage of fetal formation there is a deficiency of folacin, there may be problems with both the health of the mother and the baby. Already in the second week of pregnancy, the child begins to develop a brain. Even a short-term deficiency of FC at this stage can threaten with irreparable consequences, such as:
- hernia of the brain;
- anencephaly;
- miscarriage;
- mental retardation;
- spina bifida in the fetus;
- anemia;
- cleft lip or cleft palate.
For this reason, taking vitamin B9 is prescribed from the moment of pregnancy. The prophylactic course lasts 12 weeks, i.e. the entire first trimester. Sometimes treatment continues until delivery. Folic acid intake during pregnancy is performed in different dosages:
- 600-800 mcg - for the first trimester;
- 800 mcg - starting at 13 weeks;
- 4 mg - in the presence of a history of miscarriages with malformations or the birth of children with mental retardation and mental disorders, as well as taking medications that reduce the absorption of FC.
When planning a pregnancy
It is recommended to take folacin at the stage of pregnancy planning. Gynecologists advise starting the prevention of the lack of this component 3-4 months before the moment when the conception of the child is expected. Doctors consider this period to be sufficient to fill the deficit, the daily dosage should be 400 mcg. It is recommended not only for women, but also for men in order to increase sperm motility.
When breastfeeding
Folic acid during lactation is recommended in a dosage of 300-500 mcg daily. It is allowed to take it as part of a multivitamin complex. This is necessary to prevent vitamin B9 deficiency in both the mother and the child. Signs of a lack of this substance are eliminated after 3 months of admission, but it is recommended to continue the course until the end of breastfeeding.
Folic acid for women after 40
The prophylactic dose of vitamin B9 for women over 40 is 300-350 mcg per day. This amount of folic acid will help to go through the period of hormonal changes without stress for the body. Tablets are recommended to be taken 2 hours before meals and half an hour after. This ensures the fastest possible absorption of folacin. After 40 years, it helps not only to reduce the manifestations of menopause, but also to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, stroke.
With anemia
The main function of pteroylglutamic acid is the production of red blood cells and the synthesis of a protein in hemoglobin, which contains iron. As a result, with a lack of vitamin B9, iron deficiency anemia develops. For the treatment of such a disease, it is prescribed to take up to 2-3 mg of folic acid daily. In order to prevent anemia, the daily dose is reduced to 1 mg. The average course of treatment lasts 60 days, maintenance therapy - 60-90 days.
Slimming
Like other B vitamins, Folic Acid affects the state of the body as a whole, including metabolic processes. Folate helps speed up metabolism and burn fat. Due to this, fat is actively broken down into simple alcohols and acids, which are then excreted from the body. Folate is effective for weight loss only when combined with diet and exercise. The body receives about 50 mcg of folic acid from food, therefore, to lose weight, you need to additionally take 150 mcg per day for 60 days.
Foods containing vitamin B9
A woman's body gets some of the vitamin B9 from her usual food. A significant amount of folate contains plant greens, such as:
- salad;
- parsley;
- Dill;
- spinach.
Animal products are also a source of vitamin B9. Every woman should include them in her diet. This is especially important when planning conception and already during pregnancy. These products include:
- milk;
- mutton;
- pork;
- liver;
- beef;
- hen;
- tuna fish;
- eggs.
Among fruits, folic acid is found in citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, grapefruit), apricots, peaches, bananas, and melons. Its high level is observed in the following products:
- black beans, peas;
- avocado;
- walnuts;
- cabbage, beets, turnips;
- buckwheat, bran, wheat;
- rosehip;
- pumpkin;
- brewer's yeast;
- chicken giblets;
- trout, perch;
- mushrooms.
Vegetables are best eaten fresh in the form of salads. It is useful to add young nettles to them. Of the juices, orange and tomato are recommended. It is better to lightly fry the liver or cook for a short time, so as not to destroy its beneficial microelements. Folic acid in meat is more stable, and contained in plant foods is rapidly destroyed, especially when exposed to sunlight and heat treatment.
Folic acid preparations
This vitamin is available in preparations under various names. The most convenient dosage form is the tablet. Manufacturers offer medicines with different dosages of folic acid. The most popular vitamin B9 supplements are as follows:
- Folacin 5 mg;
- Apo-Folic 5 mg;
- Folio 0.4 mg;
- Materna 1 mg;
- Foliber 0.4 mg;
- Doppelgerts Active;
- Maltofer Fol 0.35 mg;
- Pregnavit 0.75 mg;
- Elevit 1 mg;
- Askofol 0.8 mg.
Pills
One of the common drugs with folacin (400 mcg) is Foliber. It belongs to the category of multivitamins, since it additionally contains 2 μg of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12). Auxiliary substances for Foliber are the following substances:
- maltodextrin;
- lemon acid;
- trisodium citrate;
- magnesium stearate;
- lactose monohydrate;
- microcrystalline cellulose.
The only form of release of this drug is round or flat yellow tablets. The main indications for the use of Foliber are as follows:
- prevention of deficiency of active ingredients contained in the preparation;
- planning pregnancy;
- first trimester of pregnancy.
You should not take Foliber with hypersensitivity to its composition, impaired absorption of glucose and galactose, lactase deficiency. In the absence of such deviations, the daily dosage is 1 tablet. The recommended time of admission is before meals. In some patients, Foliber contributes to the development of allergies. The advantage of the drug is that there were no cases of overdose.
Another multivitamin complex with folacin is called Doppelhertz active Folic acid (600 mcg). It additionally contains vitamins:
- E - 36 mg;
- C - 300 mg;
- B12 - 5 mcg;
- B6 - 6 mg.
The advantage of this drug is that it comes in special depot tablets. Due to the special shell, the active substances are released slowly throughout the day. Indication for use is a lack of substances that make up the complex, but not during pregnancy and lactation. The dosage is 1 tablet daily with meals. It is washed down with water and not chewed.
In addition to FA, Maltofer contains 0.357 mg of iron (III) polymaltose hydroxide. The drug has an antianemic effect, therefore it is used to treat iron deficiency anemia or latent iron deficiency, including in pregnant and lactating women. The dosage is 3 tablets every day for 3-5 months until the hemoglobin level is normal. Contraindications for taking Maltofer:
- excess iron in the blood;
- age up to 12 years;
- other types of anemia.
The advantage of Maltofer is that the probability of an overdose is extremely small. Among the side effects after taking the pill, the following symptoms are possible:
- bloating;
- indigestion;
- diarrhea;
- constipation;
- insomnia;
- bronchospasm;
- hives;
- eczema;
- convulsions;
- staining of feces in an uncharacteristic color.
Folic acid ampoules
Vitamin B9 is also available in ampoules containing injection solution. They are made in a hospital with a pronounced lack of this element in a woman. Another area of application is the treatment of weak hair prone to hair loss. To do this, the solution is added to shampoo or mixed with various ingredients and used in the form of masks. There is 1 ampoule per 200 ml of cosmetic product. The mask is made according to the following recipe:
- Mix 1 tbsp. l. honey with 50 ml of olive oil.
- add 1 ampoule of vitamins B9 and B6.
- Beat, then evenly apply to hair, wrap with foil, and then with a towel.
- After half an hour, wash off with warm water and shampoo or herbal decoctions.
Overdose
Toxic reactions are not observed if folacin is not taken in a dose exceeding 4-5 mg per day. If this norm is ignored, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract or the central nervous system may appear. In children with an overdose, there are signs of indigestion and increased excitability. Sleep problems are common in adults.
Side effects
The main side effect of folacin intake is considered to be a hypersensitivity reaction. It can manifest itself in the following conditions and symptoms:
- fever;
- erythema;
- bronchospasm;
- rashes on the skin;
- hyperthermia.
Price
The cost depends on the type of drug and its manufacturer. In addition, the composition of the medication also affects the price. Folacin is often a component of multivitamin supplements, which can cost more than drugs based on PK alone. Examples of prices for the most common drugs are presented in the table:
|
Name of the drug |
Folacin dose, mcg |
Number of tablets |
Price for Moscow, rubles |
|
Doppelgerz Active |
|||
|
Maltofer Found a mistake in the text? |
It is not important for our body what we eat, but it is important that the food contains various vitamins and minerals necessary for its functioning, thanks to which biochemical processes take place. One of the most important vitamins for humans is folic acid, otherwise it is vitamin B9. Why does a person need folic acid, why one cannot live without it, and most importantly, what foods contain folic acid? Today our conversation is about this.
Folic acid is another name for vitamin B9. This is a water-soluble vitamin, partly produced by the cells of our intestines, part of it comes from the outside along with the food we eat.
The name of the vitamin comes from the Latin word Folium, which means leaf. It was from spinach leaves that this substance was first isolated in 1941 by a group of researchers led by the Indian-American biochemist Yellapragada Subbarao.
What is folic acid for?
Vitamin B9 is vital for our body, and it is beneficial,
- when the cells of the body require rapid growth and metabolism;
- takes part in the formation of the embryo in the first weeks of its development;
- affects the process of hematopoiesis;
- prevents the formation of blood clots in blood vessels;
- promotes rejuvenation, as it constantly replaces the cells of some surfaces of our body.
Let's take a closer look at how folic acid works in the body.
During pregnancy
According to the recommendations of modern obstetrics, folic acid should be taken by all women who are planning a pregnancy at least 3 months before conception and the first 3 months after conceiving a child. What are the reasons for such recommendations?
- Vitamin B9 is important for the complete synthesis of DNA and proteins, without which cell division does not occur. During pregnancy, the need for folic acid increases sharply when there is an intensive division of embryonic cells and fetal development;
- Folic acid is of great importance in the laying of organs. After conception at the first stage of development of the embryo, it is necessary for the laying of the neural tube - the future nervous system and brain in the child;
- In addition to the formation of organs in the fetus, the formation of bone marrow and elements of hematopoiesis (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets) occurs;
- Using folic acid before and after conception reduces the risk of developing malformations of the nervous system, malformations of the gastrointestinal tract and the cardiovascular system by 70-75%;
- Nucleic acids, synthesized with the help of folic acid, affect the transmission of hereditary characteristics.
A deficiency of folic acid in a pregnant woman's body can increase the risk of developing various defects and deformities in the fetus (hydrocephalus, cleft palate, cleft lip, cerebral hernias, defects of the cardiovascular system and spinal column), and also contribute to miscarriages, stillbirth, partial or complete detachment normally located placenta. Subsequently, the child may experience a lag in physical or mental development.
After giving birth, many women can also experience the effects of a lack of folate. Lack of vitamin reduces the production of the hormone serotonin, which leads to postpartum depression, bad mood, lack of energy, lack of sleep, which leads to insufficient amount of breast milk. The child does not eat enough, and a decrease in the concentration of folic acid in breast milk can lead to the development of anemia, weight loss, reduced immunity, disturbances in the functioning of the intestines, psychomotor retardation.
For women
For young women, folic acid helps establish a regular menstrual cycle and improves mood and well-being. And also, folic acid is a beauty vitamin that affects the rejuvenation process. It is she who constantly replaces dead skin cells with new ones, helps with rashes and acne on the face, peeling and increased oily skin.
Improves the condition of nails and hair, making them healthy and shiny, prevents hair breakage and dandruff.
Separately, I note the need for folic acid for women in menopause. It is after the age of 50 that the production of extragenic hormones decreases in women. Folic acid has an estrogen-like effect on the body, due to which many unpleasant symptoms of menopause are less pronounced:
- The frequency, duration and severity of hot flashes decreases, therefore sweating and a feeling of heat decrease, tachycardia attacks disappear;
- Sweating is reduced
- Improves, becomes restful sleep;
- Blood pressure is normalized;
- Improves mood, reduces the level of depression.
In addition, with the use of folic acid, the risk of developing macular degeneration, a disease manifested by the destruction of the retina and a decrease in visual acuity, anemia and gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, celiac disease and malabsorption, is reduced.
You should be aware that while simultaneously using birth control pills, glucocorticosteroids, nitrofurans, antacids, aspirin, the vitamin in the body will be poorly absorbed.
For men
This vitamin should not be ignored by men either. In addition to the general positive effect on the body as a whole, for men it is also important in terms of the full-fledged reproductive work of the body. Many unfavorable factors (environmental conditions, stress, bad habits, unhealthy diet) damage men's health. But for healthy offspring, you need a healthy body that produces full-fledged sperm. Sperm, the same cells that need protein and nucleic acids to synthesize them. Folic acid for men increases the chances of conceiving and having a healthy baby as
- a greater number of full-fledged spermatozoa are produced: along with testosterone, normal sperm development occurs;
- the number of sperm with genetic mutations decreases, which can subsequently lead to Down syndrome, schizophrenia, epilepsy in a child.
For these reasons, when planning a pregnancy in a woman, the use of folic acid is also recommended for men. It is especially important to use this vitamin during puberty in young men, thanks to it, the development of secondary sexual characteristics occurs: coarsening of the voice, hair growth on the face and body, and intensive growth.
Prevention of atherosclerosis
Today, in scientific medical circles of Western countries, the theory of the development of atherosclerosis is popular, according to which the pathogenesis of the disease is influenced by a high level of bioactive homocysteine, an endogenous amino acid.
Under the influence of enzymes in the body, it is transformed into the essential fatty amino acid methionine, which is involved in the production of protein. If the body is deficient in the appropriate enzymes, homocysteine builds up in the blood and destroys the walls of the blood vessels, causing inflammation.
Thus, platelets and excess cholesterol adhere to the inflamed and destroyed vascular wall, forming blood clots and cholesterol plaques. Folic acid dissolves them and prevents the development and progression of atherosclerosis. And this is primarily the prevention of coronary heart disease and formidable complications - heart attacks and strokes.
With oncology
With age, the human immune system undergoes certain changes, becomes defenseless against various infections and cancer. There is a statement that vitamin B9 prevents the growth of tumors. However, if the pathological process has already begun, then folic acid, on the contrary, provokes the division of cancer cells.
Recently, there has been a lot of research on the effect of folic acid on the growth of cancerous tumors. Research results are mixed, here are excerpts from research results published by various medical journals.
January 2013, The Lancet. In a press release, study author Robert Clarke at the University of Oxford said: "This study provides confidence in the safety of folic acid supplementation for up to five years, whether in supplements or fortified foods."
Canadian researchers from St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, in particular Dr. Yong-Ying-Kim, lead author of the study, have found that folate supplements taken by breast cancer patients can promote the growth of malignant cells.
In March 2009, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of a study on the relationship between folate intake and the risk of prostate cancer. Scientists from the University of Southern California, in particular study author Jane Figueiredo, found that taking vitamin supplements with folic acid more than doubles the risk of developing prostate cancer.
In 2006, scientists at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart found that taking large doses of folic acid helped to regress laryngeal leukoplakia (a precancerous disease that precedes cancer of the larynx).
This should be remembered especially for the elderly, and even if necessary, taking medications with a vitamin should be used strictly on the recommendation of a doctor.
Signs of folate deficiency
How do you know if your body is deficient in vitamin B9? Pay attention if you have any of the following symptoms:
- bad mood, irritability and depression;
- headache with weakness, shortness of breath;
- problems remembering information;
- the appearance of discomfort and numbness of the limbs;
- soreness in the mouth, the appearance of ulcers and an increase in the tongue;
- causeless diarrhea;
- macrocytic anemia.
Of course, you should not self-medicate. If these signs appear, nevertheless, first consult a doctor, undergo an examination.
Signs of a vitamin B9 overdose
Despite the obvious benefits, this does not mean that folic acid preparations can be used as much as necessary. And although this is a water-soluble vitamin and is easily excreted along with urine from the body, there may be an overdose of the drug. But for this you need to take a dose that is 100 times the daily dose.
If an overdose occurred in women during gestation, then in the future such children may have an increased tendency to colds and bronchial asthma.
Children who received folic acid may react with dyspepsia and increased excitability, and people with cardiovascular pathology may react with coronary insufficiency.
An excess of the vitamin can manifest itself with the following symptoms:
- a bitter or metallic taste appears in the mouth;
- unstable mood and sleep disturbance;
- disturbances in the digestive tract (nausea, up to vomiting, loose stools, rumbling in the abdomen);
- The appearance of a rash on the skin;
- In patients with epilepsy, seizures may occur;
- Impaired renal function;
- Symptoms arising from a deficiency of zinc and vitamin B12 (decreased immunity, anemia, etc.).
How to take and dosage
Do not rely only on the instructions for use of the drug. For different pathologies, the dosage of the drug may be different, so the doctor's recommendations will be very appropriate here. It is important to know that taking large doses can lead to resistance (addiction).
Optimal daily dose for use:
- For newborns - no more than 0.1 mg;
- Children under 4 years old - 0.3 mg;
- Children from 4 years old and adults - 0.4 mg;
- When breastfeeding - 0.6 mg
- The period before conception and during pregnancy - 0.4 mg;
- With folate deficiency anemia, regardless of age, -1.0 mg, in the future the dose should be adjusted.
The dose of the drug should be set on an individual basis and have clear restrictions during pregnancy, during breastfeeding, in cancer patients.
The course of taking the drug should not exceed no more than a month. The effectiveness of the drug decreases with the simultaneous use of alcohol, sulfonamides, some antibiotics, antacids.
Folic acid foods
Folic acid is part of the tissues of plants and animals, but the human body is not able to synthesize it. Therefore, we get the necessary amount of vitamin from the outside with food or it is produced by the microflora in the large intestine. The existing intestinal dysfunction and dysbiosis can slow down the production process. In this case, the deficiency must be replenished with special drugs, for example, bifidobacteria help stimulate the production of folic acid in the intestines.
List of foods rich in vitamin B9:
- Vegetable food - spinach, cabbage, asparagus, lettuce, beets, turnips, rice, peas, oats, bran, wheat, nuts, seeds, rose hips, citrus fruits;
- Dairy products - milk, cottage cheese, cheese;
- Meat and animal products, a lot of vitamin in offal - kidneys, liver, poultry. Chicken liver is especially rich in folic acid;
- Fish, especially salmon, and seafood;
- Brewer's yeast, mushrooms.
It is important to know that vitamin B9 is destroyed very quickly by exposure to sunlight, by thermal processing of products and by long-term storage. Therefore, to preserve the beneficial component, it is best to eat foods fresh and, if possible, in salads.
The daily allowance can be replenished with a portion of salad from fresh young nettle, garden herbs, cabbage, dandelion leaves, beets, mint. And wash it down with orange or tomato juice.
Dear readers, today you learned what folic acid is, why it is so important for our health. Eat more foods containing vitamin B9, and then your health and your future and present children will be strong, and you yourself will remain young and beautiful for a long time. Be healthy!
The benefits of folic acid or vitamin B9 have been known for a long time. However, active promotion of the reception began about 10 years ago. The drugs are recommended for pregnant women and people suffering from anemia due to their properties. The benefits and harms of folic acid are considered before use.
Folic acid composition
The benefits of folic acid for the body are in the regulation of metabolism, the synthesis of immune cells, the production of DNA, and the normalization of the digestive system. Vitamin B9 is beneficial for pregnant women. Its sufficient intake in the body prevents defects in the development of the neural tube and other pathologies in the fetus, which cause significant harm.
Important! The history of the discovery of folic acid began in 1926, when a specific form of anemia was discovered in pregnant patients. Translated from Latin, the term means a sheet.
Folic acid preparations usually contain several elements. The main component is vitamin B9. The rest of the ingredients do not have a significant impact.
Medicines can have a different cost, which depends on the number of tablets in the package and production. There are the following dosage of tablets in mcg:
- 400;
- 800;
- 1000.
Folate levels determine mood. Vitamin B9 has health benefits that are manifested in the metabolism of serotonin and adrenaline, both of which are neurotransmitters.
The benefits of folic acid for the body
The benefits of folic acid are undeniable. Vitamin B9 is directly involved in the synthesis and metabolism of acids and amino acids.
Folic acid is beneficial in the following conditions:
- anemia associated with a lack of an element, radiation, gastrectomy and the use of drugs;
- tropical diarrhea;
- chronic tuberculosis and intestinal inflammation;
- pregnancy;
- lactation period;
- lack of an element in the body.
Therapeutic doses of folic acid are beneficial in the following cases:
- severe symptoms of B9 deficiency;
- the presence of factors leading to the lack of an element;
- the use of COCs before planning conception;
- use of Maalox, Phosphalugel, anticonvulsants;
- protein diet;
- insignificant intake of plant foods;
- violation of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Important! The results of the study proved the beneficial properties of folic acid in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
For women
Folic acid benefits a woman's body. A sufficient intake of the substance ensures adequate functioning of the endocrine, musculoskeletal systems and the gastrointestinal tract. The benefits of vitamin B9 are in the effect on metabolic processes. Beneficial folic acid can help prevent weight gain. Thus, the element indirectly affects the cardiovascular system.
A useful component improves mood, which is especially important in PMS and climacteric changes, which are accompanied by increased nervousness, excitability and lability.
The benefits of folic acid for women over 40 are obvious. It is known that metabolism slows down with age, absorption of nutrients worsens, which is harmful to health. The beneficial properties of folic acid for women help prevent unwanted symptoms associated with hormonal changes in premenopause and menopause.
For pregnant
Folic acid is beneficial for pregnant women due to its properties. Maintaining an optimal level of the substance for several months before a planned pregnancy is essential. Adequate intake of the substance before conception reduces the risk of dangerous malformations in the child.
Attention! According to research results, in 80% of cases, there is a decrease in the likelihood of congenital malformations of the fetus when using preparations containing vitamin B9 before conception.
Experts pay attention that during pregnancy, the body needs more nutrients than before conception. The component is not stored in the body in reserve due to its properties. This indicates the need for the supply of folic acid from the outside. It is especially important to maintain an adequate amount of the vitamin during the 1st trimester. It is during this period that the laying of internal organs and the development of the child's nervous system occurs.
The main goal of taking a nutrient during pregnancy is to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. In addition, folic acid is involved in mitosis and cell renewal. The embryo's brain begins to develop in the second week. Even with minor micronutrient deficiencies, serious harm can occur.
Attention! The lack of an element can be harmful in the form of anomalies in the development of the nervous system. The drugs should be taken before conception in an adequate dosage. Excessive component can also be harmful.
Lack of a useful vitamin sometimes leads to postpartum depression and decreased milk supply. The nutrient level in breast milk is correspondingly reduced, which causes insufficient intake by the baby. Harm can be observed in the development of anemia, low body weight, disruption of the intestines. Folic acid is considered to be practically the only synthetic vitamin that must be taken for both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.
For men
Folic acid is beneficial for men. Against the background of a chronic deficiency of a component, the development of certain pathologies, for example, infertility and anemia, is possible.
The main indicators of men's health include the state of the germ cells, which are understood as sperm. For their production, the body requires nucleic acids and protein. Lack of nutrient leads to impaired sperm production:
- decreased concentration and mobility;
- morphological disorders, for example, unnatural shape, absence of a tail.
Attention! Folic acid is beneficial for the male body. With the wrong number of chromosomes, hereditary diseases in a child (Down syndrome) are not excluded.
For kids
In combination with other vitamins, microelements and macronutrients, folic acid ensures the full development of the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract. Insufficient intake of the substance with food and in the composition of drugs can cause harm in the form of developmental disorders of the child's body.
Vitamin B9 is essential for the male body in puberty. Due to the beneficial properties of the nutrient, secondary sexual characteristics develop, including coarsening of the voice, intensive growth and growth of hair on the body and face.
Symptoms of a lack of folic acid in the body
During thermal processing, a significant percentage of folic acid, which is found in food, is lost. Nutrient deficiency is noted with its low content in the diet, insufficient absorption, as well as with an increase in the body's needs. Hypovitaminosis can be the result of excessive drinking.
Often, a micronutrient deficiency is observed in pregnant women and infants under one year old. Lack of an element can harm the pregnant woman and the fetus in the form of the following consequences:
- miscarriage (detachment of the placenta or miscarriage);
- congenital developmental anomalies (neural tube defect);
- backwardness;
- brain pathology;
- cleft palate;
- spina bifida;
- preeclampsia and anemia in a pregnant woman;
- cleft lip.
Signs of hypovitaminosis appear within a month and depend on a balanced diet. The following symptoms are noted:
- nervousness;
- weakness;
- poor appetite;
- vomit;
- diarrhea;
- alopecia;
- mouth ulcers.
These symptoms are especially pronounced with breastfeeding. Vitamin deficiency can lead to postpartum depression.
A lack of folic acid is observed in a significant number of people. In some cases, hypovitaminosis progresses asymptomatically. In the absence of a therapeutic admission, the risk of stroke and heart attack increases significantly.
Experts also talk about the benefits of folic acid for the liver. Lack of micronutrient can be observed in case of serious organ pathologies. It is the liver that converts the vitamin into tetrahydrofolate.
Important! An element deficiency often develops as a result of diets and taking antibiotics. In the United States, the vitamin is added to flour to prevent vitamin deficiency. The prophylactic dose of the substance is 2 times higher than in the Russian Federation.
Rules for taking and dosage of folic acid
Taking folic acid can be both therapeutic and prophylactic. The dosage is recommended by the doctor, taking into account the needs of the body.
When planning a pregnancy
Prophylactic intake during pregnancy planning is 2-3 mg per day.
During pregnancy
In the absence of a deficiency in the element, the daily dose is 0.4 mg per day. The dosage is increased to 0.8 mg per day against the background of deficiency conditions.
When breastfeeding
During lactation, the required dosage of the micronutrient increases and amounts to 0.3-0.6 mg per day. A useful vitamin can be taken in the form of multivitamin complexes.
Attention! Excessive element will not harm. The excess amount is independently excreted from the female body, thanks to the properties of the nutrient.
For women over 40
A sufficient supply of micronutrients provides a decrease in the signs of climacteric changes due to its beneficial properties. Prophylactic administration involves the consumption of up to 0.3 mg of the substance once a day. The presence of hypovitaminosis can cause serious harm to the body and indicates the necessary intake of a therapeutic dose of up to 1 mg daily.
With anemia
The folate-deficient type of anemia causes harm in the form of impaired cell maturation. The dosage of useful folacin in the development of a pathological condition varies from 1 to 5 mg.
Slimming
An additional intake of a useful nutrient is necessary when losing weight due to its properties. The prophylactic dose allows you to avoid the development of hypovitaminosis and is 400-800 mcg per day.
What foods contain folic acid
The nutrient is not synthesized by the body. A significant part of the nutrient comes from food and vitamin supplements. In case of disorders of the digestive tract, the assimilation of the element is often difficult.
The micronutrient is found mainly in plant foods, which have many beneficial properties:
- onions, spinach, dill, parsley;
- peas, beans;
- buckwheat, oats and bran;
- bananas, grapefruit, melon;
- walnuts, dried apricots;
- pumpkin, beets.
A useful source of the element is meat products:
- pork;
- mutton;
- kidneys and liver;
- bird.
Dairy products and fish are distinguished by many useful properties and a sufficient content of the substance. With the use of bifidobacteria, stimulation of the formation of a nutrient in the intestine is noted.
It should be remembered that the beneficial properties of plant foods are destroyed during heat treatment and long-term storage. The breakdown of a micronutrient in meat is slower. That is why experts recommend eating plant foods in the form of salads without heat treatment. They retain the maximum useful properties.
Attention! Benefits can be expected from the consumption of tomato and orange juice, liver, containing folic acid in significant quantities.
Folic acid preparations
The beneficial vitamin B9 comes in several dosage forms.
Pills
Tablet preparations are easy to use. Experts name the following popular names:
- Folic acid (100 or 400 mg);
- Foliber (B9 and B12);
- Folic acid Doppelgerts Active (B9, C, B6, B12, E);
- Maltofer (B9 and iron);
- Fenuls zinc (B9, zinc, iron).
Important! The tablets must be taken with meals.
Ampoules
The benefits of the drug can be expected when using ampoules. The drug is used as an injection due to its properties. Each ampoule contains 400 mcg as active ingredient.
Folic acid harm and side effects
High doses of drugs are not always beneficial and can cause harm in the form of an overdose. Undesirable effects cannot be ruled out, which include:
- allergic reactions;
- bronchospasm;
- hyperthemia;
- redness of the skin;
- rash.
It has been proven that the nutrient in dosages significantly higher than the average does not cause harm in the form of toxic effects. However, the development of anemia is possible, which is associated with the properties of the substance. Overdose sometimes provokes kidney dysfunction, stool disorders, and increases anxiety.
Contraindications for taking folic acid
The element has many useful qualities and properties. There are no significant contraindications for admission. Doctors do not recommend taking folic acid supplements in the following cases:
- hypersensitivity reactions;
- deficiency of sucrose and isomaltase;
- age up to 3 years;
- intolerance to fructose.
Important! It is advisable to start taking medications after consulting a doctor, so as not to cause harm.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of folic acid have been studied extensively. The element takes part in many processes in the body. Folic acid deficiency is harmful to health, which proves the need for regular preventive intake.
Vitamin B9, folacin, or folic acid is one of the essential substances that are essential for the life of our body. It is with its help that DNA is formed - the basis of any cell, from red blood cells to cardiomyocytes - the muscle cells of the heart. The lack of this vitamin affects the body of any person and is especially dangerous for women during pregnancy.
What is folic acid
Translated from Latin, folium means "leaf". Folic acid is so named because it was first isolated from spinach leaves. Folacin itself does not have biological activity, therefore, in the cells of the body, it undergoes biochemical transformations with the formation of several active forms.
In total, the body contains about 5-10 mg of folate. Almost half of them are in the liver, and the rest is in the kidneys, erythrocytes, bone marrow and other tissues. The blood plasma contains a small amount of active forms of folic acid. The normal concentration is 4.5–30 nmol / l. This amount reflects the current intake of vitamin B9 from food. If this compound is determined in plasma in its original, inactive form, this indicates an excess of the consumption rate.
Folic acid was once called "bacterial growth factor L. Casei", "vitamin Bc", or "chicken growth factor", "vitamin M". Only in 1941 this substance received its current name - in honor of the spinach leaf.
The role of folic acid in the human body
Folacin deficiency poses the following problems:
- Immature blood cells, megaloblasts are formed, anemia develops. The blood begins to tolerate oxygen worse, and oxygen starvation of tissues gradually increases. Weakness, shortness of breath, pallor of the skin appear.
- Intestinal cells atrophy and, as a result, stool disorders and weight loss are observed.
- Blood clotting worsens due to a violation of platelet synthesis.
- The level of immunity decreases due to a decrease in the number of leukocytes.
- The risk of atherosclerosis, stroke, blood clots increases due to increased levels of homocysteine.
- Irritability appears, memory deteriorates, depressive states develop;
- In children, folate deficiency can cause delays in physical development.
According to a 2014 study, 96.3% of children in Europe and America had blood levels of folacin below recommended levels. This means that virtually all children suffered from latent or overt vitamin B9 deficiency.
For women, folic acid is especially needed during pregnancy. With the help of folacin, the placenta is formed. With a lack of this trace element, microcirculation in the tissues of the placenta is disturbed and the risk of complications of the course of pregnancy is significantly increased.
For the developing fetus itself, vitamin B9 deficiency can also be critical. Its effect on the incidence of anencephaly, cerebral hernia, spina bifida, anomalies of the genitourinary system, heart defects, limbs has been proven.
Folic acid provides biochemical reactions in the body of men. Therefore, despite the opinion that folacin is a "vitamin for pregnant women", the representatives of the stronger sex need it no less than expectant mothers. This is especially true for professional athletes and bodybuilders.
Why and when to take folic acid
Normally, a person should receive about 200 micrograms of vitamin daily from food. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. The reserves of the "depot" of folic acid in the liver are enough for about 3-4 months of such a vitamin-poor diet. After that, the deficit will need to be strenuously replenished with the help of external sources. And most likely, a revision of the diet will not save the situation. Usually, in such cases, the intake of vitamins and dietary supplements is additionally prescribed.
For pregnant women, additional intake of vitamin B9 is recommended even with a full diet. This reduces the likelihood of developing anomalies of the nervous system, brain, heart, genitourinary system, defects in the arteries and cleft of the upper palate of the fetus, the risk of Down syndrome.
Vitamin-rich foods
Folic acid is found in greens, all types of cabbage, citrus fruits, liver, yeast, peanuts, asparagus, and beans. But when heated, about 80–90% of this substance is destroyed, so not all dishes rich in these products can serve as a source of vitamin.
According to some researchers, even good nutrition covers our daily need for vitamins by only 70-80%.
Folic acid medications
This type of drug is usually prescribed during pregnancy or to treat anemia.
Folic acid tablets can contain between 400 mcg and 15 mg. For pregnant women, the optimal dosage is 400–800 mcg. At higher concentrations, from 5 to 15 mg, folacin is prescribed for the treatment of folate deficiency anemia.
The main contraindication for taking any drugs is individual intolerance to the components. Before you buy a medicine or vitamins of a certain brand, you need to carefully look at the composition and study the instructions. Even drugs of the same name from different manufacturers may have a different composition.
It is undesirable to take folic acid preparations in case of anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, as this can lead to an apparent improvement in well-being, which later will only aggravate the course of the disease. Another contraindication is cancer. On the one hand, they lead to an increased consumption of folic acid and to its lack in the body. On the other hand, it is this substance that can stimulate the active growth of tumors. Therefore, in each such case, specialist advice is needed.
Vitamin and mineral complexes (dietary supplements)
In the body, there is rarely a deficiency of any particular trace element. This is most often a complex problem. The lack of one substance leads to an increase in the consumption of another. Therefore, to achieve the desired biological effect and replenish the deficiency of essential substances, it is optimal to use complex additives.
Vitamin complexes for adults contain 200-1000 mcg of folic acid. They are prescribed to replenish vitamin deficiencies, for example, during illness, with increased stress, in preparation for pregnancy, or with insufficiently varied diet.
Not all multivitamins contain folic acid, so when choosing a drug, you need to carefully look at the composition. The amount of vitamins should be indicated in milligrams or micrograms, and also as a percentage of the RDA. You should not exceed the recommended rate without direct instructions from a doctor.
Before taking any dietary supplements, it is better to consult a doctor. You also need to know if there is an intolerance to certain substances or auxiliary components of these drugs. Means can be produced in the form of tablets, capsules, effervescent soluble tablets. For children, there are vitamins in the form of gummies or animal figurines. Here you can focus on your own preferences - it is hard for someone to swallow large capsules, someone chooses preparations with a minimum of dyes and additives, for someone soluble forms are more convenient.
The dosage of the drug is indicated in the instructions. Someone from the manufacturer divides the daily dose into two or three doses during the day, someone puts the entire dose of active ingredients in one tablet or capsule.
Folic acid is a substance that all people need, regardless of gender and age. She is responsible for the processes of DNA formation, for the creation of new cells and for the subtle biochemical reactions that take place in the body. Folate is especially important during pregnancy. In order to avoid vitamin B9 deficiency, you need to eat a variety of foods, do not forget about herbs and vegetables. It is also advisable to take multivitamin complexes and dietary supplements.
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