Folic acid is above normal. Do future dads need folic acid? How much folic acid to drink during pregnancy? The norm of folic acid when planning pregnancy

All creatures on the planet need vitamins. The body receives these trace elements from the food that enters it. In addition to being obtained from food, vitamins can be synthesized and ingested by the human body by taking capsules, tablets or powders. Regardless of the type, they beneficial effect proven by all doctors and scientists of the world.

Folic acid is one of the most important vitamins for humans. It affects not only the functioning of internal organs, but also ensures the full development of a new life in the mother's womb. However, there is a lot of controversy about the norm per day. Therefore, before you start taking it, you need to make sure what daily norm of this substance is needed for women and men.

Determination of folic acid

Folacin is a water-soluble vitamin. Folic acid is not synthesized in the human body. It can only get into it from food, as well as from specially designed drugs. A huge amount of folic acid is found in vegetables, herbs, fruits, baked goods, seeds and nuts. Some countries even specially import grains enriched with this useful element to bakeries.

In 1931, one of the most famous doctors of the time, Lucy Wills, was conducting research on the fight against anemia in young pregnant girls. Through research, she found that yeast and animal liver extracts have a beneficial effect in the treatment of this disease. By the end of the 30s, a new vitamin called folacin was introduced to the world. A few years later, folic acid began to be extracted from spinach leaves and soon they learned how to synthesize it. chemical method.

What is folacin for?

Folic acid, often referred to as vitamin B9, is involved in the renewal process. circulatory system, and also affects the synthesis of protein, which is contained in the gland. Folacin promotes the production of nucleic acid, which contains hereditary information. He also plays important role in the development, renewal and growth of cells. The use of the necessary norm folic acid per day forms appetite, normalizes the process of digestion.

Regular and daily intake of this vitamin helps the body to cope with various diseases. Especially with those that appear due to reduced acidity of the stomach.

Folic acid for women

Every girl should use enough useful products containing vitamin B9. If it is not possible to include a lot of greens, fruits and vegetables in the diet, you should buy folic acid tablets at the pharmacy. This vitamin is very important at the stage of planning a child, as well as in the first months of fetal formation.

AT female body can lead to serious pathologies the future baby. Folacin acts on the embryo from the first days of development. At the same time, the expectant mother may not even know that she is pregnant. That is why it is so important to saturate the body with folic acid already at the stage of planning a child.

The benefits of vitamin B9 for pregnant women

The following benefits in the use of vitamin B9 by women can be distinguished:

• Metabolism is restored, the work of the heart and blood vessels is improving.
• Regular use helps to normalize the maturation of eggs.
• Improves mood and overall well-being.
• Increased chance to conceive healthy child.
• Folic acid has a beneficial effect on the formation of the placenta, which then becomes a source of oxygen for the fetus.
• The risk of developing pathologies in the embryo is significantly reduced.
• Folacin affects the DNA and RNA of the unborn child, as well as the development of all tissues of his body.

The rate of folic acid per day in the first trimester of pregnancy and in the last is very different. Most important processes, which shape the future health of the child, occur precisely in the first trimester. Therefore, during this period, doctors always prescribe folacin to women in an increased dosage.

The norm of vitamin B9 for women

Since folacin does not accumulate in the human body, it should be constantly saturated with it through food and synthesized vitamins. Vitamin B9 tablets should be taken in the morning after breakfast with a sufficient amount of the vitamin. clean water. Thinking about replenishment in the family, you must immediately start using folic acid. The norm per day during planning ranges from 400 to 800 mcg. Required dosage can be prescribed by a gynecologist.

Before using any vitamins, you should always seek help from specialists. Especially when we are talking about planning a child. Most doctors agree that the daily folic acid requirement for women is 400-500 micrograms. This dose must be taken daily until pregnancy. After confirming the situation, the doctor can increase the daily rate to 1000 mcg.

Taking folacin in the trimesters of pregnancy

You can take vitamin B9 both separately and as part of multivitamin complex. After pregnancy, many women are prescribed whole list essential vitamins, which are often part of a single drug intended for ladies in position. The most popular prenatal vitamins will always contain the required daily dose of folacin.

The norm of folic acid per day in the first trimester of pregnancy is 800 mcg. In the first weeks of the situation, this vitamin should not be forgotten in any case. It is during this period that the process of formation of the neural tube of the fetus occurs. Folacin plays a very important role in this.

In any case, the rate of folic acid per day for a pregnant woman should always be agreed with the doctor.

Why do men need vitamin B9

The male body, like the female body, needs vitamins. Folic acid is no exception. Vitamin B9 helps the body break down beneficial substances, which further provide human body energy. Folacin is involved in the creation of new DNA molecules, improves the blood circulation process.

The special effect of folic acid on male body is that the required daily dose of this vitamin ensures the proper functioning brain activity. State nervous system also completely depends on the competent use of the norm of folic acid. It is enough to take about 400 mcg per day so that the body fully feels its benefits. If folacin is supplied in insufficient doses, this can provoke a number of pathological changes.

The norm of vitamin B9 for men

Every boy aged 9-13 should be given at least 300 micrograms of vitamin B9. It can be found in food or be part of a multivitamin complex. The norm of folic acid per day for men who are over 14 years old should be within 400 micrograms.

Since this folacin is a water-soluble substance, it is completely eliminated from the body. naturally along with urine and sweat. Therefore, there is no need to worry about an overdose of folic acid.

Foods containing folacin

Due to the fact that the human body cannot produce folic acid on its own, it must be obtained from the following foods:

• Vegetables and greens. Most vitamin B9 is found in green lettuce, spinach leaves, parsley, white cabbage, and broccoli. It is also worth leaning on cucumbers, pumpkin, carrots, legumes and beets.
• Herbs. can be useful herbal teas from dry nettle, mint and dandelions. A lot of folic acid is found in the leaves of currants and raspberries.
• Fruit. Vitamin B9 is present in bananas, apricots, oranges. If you make freshly squeezed juice from these fruits every morning, you can only saturate the body with a daily dose of folacin.
• Cereals, nuts, seeds. Special attention should be given to peanuts and walnuts. From bakery products it is better to choose products made from wholemeal flour.
• Protein. To get enough folic acid, you need to eat a small portion of foods rich in animal protein per day. It can be chicken meat, cottage cheese, chicken eggs, fish, liver or cheese.

Replenishing the diet with foods that include folic acid should not go to extremes. Healthy food contains great amount vitamins and minerals. If, in addition to it, you saturate the body with large doses of synthesized drugs, you can earn hypervitaminosis. That is why before taking any vitamins, you should seek the advice of a doctor. He will conduct certain tests and prescribe the required dose of folacin.

Folic acid for children

All pediatricians in the world claim that vitamin B9 is necessary not only for adults, but also for children. It improves performance digestive tract, relieving many problems with the intestines. Folic acid is involved in the creation of new DNA cells, prevents most of the dangerous and harmful changes in the body.

The amount of folic acid per day for children depends on the age and development of the child. Most often, doctors prescribe a dosage in the range of 100-400 mcg. It is extremely important to take into account the fact that a contraindication in taking folacin is an individual intolerance to this vitamin by the body. Therefore, it is so important not to engage in independent selection of its daily norm, but instead seek the advice of a doctor.

FOLIC ACID (acid folicum) - this is water soluble vitamin group B (vitamin B9), necessary for the formation of red blood cells, contributes to the metabolism of proteins. The body receives it both from food and in a synthetic form (in the form of tablets). It is indispensable in planning pregnancy and breastfeeding for women, useful for anemia, necessary for the formation of red blood cells. The vitamin found in fruits and vegetables is destroyed if these foods are stored at room temperature. Folic acid has the ability not to accumulate in the body, so its reserves must be replenished frequently, because. it is spent at a high rate. Folic acid is essential for the synthesis of hemoglobin in the human body.

daily requirement

Folic acid is necessary for normal development in childhood, providing the processes of growth and development, protein metabolism. Premature, weak babies need this acid more. It is also needed in the womb, starting from the 3rd week of fetal development, so women start drinking folic acid even during pregnancy.

It contributes to the normal development of the placenta and brain. It is also useful for low hemoglobin levels. Part of the acid the child teaches with breast and cow's milk and other foods. For a fetus receiving folic acid from the mother, the risk of developing Down syndrome is reduced. For a pregnant woman, the likelihood of miscarriage and severe pathologies in the baby is reduced. For normal functioning a person needs about 400 mcg this vitamin per day. When playing sports, the need increases slightly.

Acid in foods is very poorly absorbed, so children, pregnant and lactating women need to resort to the use of synthetic acid. The diet of children should be monitored especially carefully, adding acid in the form of a powder to the most favorite dishes: porridge, mashed potatoes or cottage cheese. Acid in the form of vitamins is absorbed much better than from food. With dysbacteriosis and a number of other diseases, the acid begins to be absorbed worse, so gastritis, colitis and other diseases gastrointestinal tract needs to be carefully treated. When taking folic acid, it is necessary to exclude alcohol consumption to a minimum.

What is folic acid for?

Folic acid is necessary for the formation of red blood cells, for the normalization of digestion, in the production of DNA. It is very necessary during pregnancy and lactation, helping the normal development of the baby. Helps improve mood, increase immunity, improve the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, liver. Synthesizes proteins and nucleic acids, provides a good mood, optimism, cheerfulness. Helps in planning pregnancy and throughout it, helping the proper development of the fetus in the womb. Helps relieve depression after childbirth and give birth to a healthy full-term baby.

Sources of Folic Acid

Folic acid is found in in large numbers products. This is the liver, and caviar, and greens, and cabbage. But basically, 90% of all the acid contained in the listed products is destroyed during heat treatment. Therefore, you need to eat not only liver and meat, rich in this vitamin, but also raw vegetables and greens: cabbage, spinach, green onion, dill, tomatoes, as well as cottage cheese, cheese.

Attention! At long-term storage fruits and vegetables at room temperature, a significant part of folic acid is lost. Therefore, it is important to eat fresh fruits and vegetables.

What diseases from a lack of folic acid

With a lack of folic acid, anemia develops. If a pregnant woman does not take enough folic acid, it can lead to severe irreversible consequences for the fetus, such as spinal hernia, insufficient development of the baby's nervous system, growth retardation and fetal development. Also, with a lack of this acid, even rectal cancer can occur. From a lack of folic acid, depression, insomnia develop, the activity of the brain worsens, and insomnia may occur. Eczema and reddening of the skin may occur.

A lack of folic acid leads to a decrease in hemoglobin, and this is fraught with hair loss, detachment of nails, decreased appetite, the occurrence of stomach ulcers, inflammation peripheral nerves, apathy for everything, decreased performance. With a lack of folic acid, the skin becomes pale, fainting and difficulty breathing may begin, insomnia, nervous and mental disorders, weight loss.

How to determine the lack of folic acid

Signs of a lack of folic acid in the body are:

• lethargy, drowsiness;
• depression;
• sense of anxiety;
• distraction;
• improper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• anxiety;
• inflammation in the mouth;
• anemia (lack of iron);
• loss of appetite;
• memory impairment;
• inflammation on the lips;
• red tongue.

The listed signs should be cause for concern and referral to a doctor who, when taken necessary analyzes, will determine the required dose of folic acid intake.

How to increase the level of folic acid in the body

To increase the level of folic acid in the body, you need to eat. But often such products do not contain enough acid, so it is necessary to use synthetic folic acid in the form of tablets. This is especially necessary during stressful situations, at high mental load, exams, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What threatens an overdose

An overdose of this vitamin is extremely rare. An excess dose of the drug can be excreted in the urine without causing any harm to the body. But folic acid poisoning is still possible when prescribed. large doses drug, especially during pregnancy. When taking repeated high doses this drug children are born who are frequent colds and also to bronchial asthma. For older people, there is a risk of developing myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease. In childhood, excessive activity, dyspepsia may occur. But for this it is necessary to repeatedly exceed the dose of the drug. Long-term use of an increased dose can lead to the latent development of the disease, it is not so noticeable.

In case of an overdose, a metallic taste in the mouth is noted, digestive problems: increased gas formation, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions, insomnia, hallucinations. When taking an increased dosage, the risk of heart attacks and strokes increases.

Prepared by "Person Sport.ru"

Folic acid is involved in metabolism, in the production of DNA, plays an important role in the synthesis of immune blood cells, and normalizes the function of the digestive tract. For pregnant women, folic acid is essential because it plays an important role in the development of the neural tube of the fetus. With a normal level of vitamin B 9, the likelihood of malformations in the fetus is significantly reduced. Moreover, it is necessary for normal growth and development of the placenta.

Discovery history

In 1932, the British physician Wils, who worked for many years in India, found that some pregnant women suffering from megaloblastic anemia did not improve when using a purified extract of liver cells. However, these women recovered completely after consuming the crude extract. From this, Wills concluded that during the purification, some kind of important factor leading to recovery. This substance was soon isolated and named the Wills factor. Later it was called vitamin M. In 1941, it was found that spinach and parsley leaves are rich in this substance - therefore it was renamed folic acid (translated from Latin folium - leaf).

Mechanism of action

It is well known that the first and most important step in the division of any cell is the division of the DNA molecule. It is in the process of DNA replication that vitamin B 9 takes an active part. In addition, it plays an important role in the synthesis of RNA, amino acids, and improves the absorption of iron. Therefore, the lack of folic acid is primarily dangerous for rapidly dividing cells.

Mood also depends on the level of folic acid. It is involved in the metabolism of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and adrenaline, which have a significant impact on the functioning of the nervous system.

Folic acid stimulates appetite and takes part in the excretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

Need for folic acid

Folic acid and pregnancy

AT Russian Federation It is generally accepted that the need for pregnant women without symptoms of deficiency of this micronutrient is 0.4 mg per day. During breastfeeding, the need is 0.6 mg per day.

During pregnancy, a woman's body consumes much more folic acid than before pregnancy. Vitamin B 9 is not stored in reserve, so it is important to get it daily from external sources. It is very important to maintain the required level of folic acid in the first trimester, when the fetal nervous system develops.

The most important role of vitamin B 9 for the fetus is the development of the neural tube. She also takes part in the renewal and mitosis of the cells of the mother's body, in particular the cells of the internal organs, which must be constantly updated.

Already in the second week of pregnancy, the brain begins to actively develop in the embryo. It was at this time that even a short deficiency of vitamin B 9 threatens with serious, often irreparable consequences. Since this micronutrient is necessary in the process of mitosis, which is extremely important for rapidly dividing and developing cells(these primarily include neurons and other cells of the nervous tissue), then its lack, first of all, affects the developing nervous system.

Folic acid is involved in the production of the main blood cells (erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets), which is important for both the mother and the fetus.

For the normal course of pregnancy, maintaining the health of the woman and the fetus, doctors recommend starting taking folic acid in the form of tablets 2-3 months before the planned pregnancy, and continuing until childbirth. When using vitamin B 9, you must adhere to the doses recommended by your doctor, since an excess of this micronutrient is just as dangerous as its deficiency.

Vitamin B 9 is the only micronutrient whose role during pregnancy is not underestimated even by opponents of synthetic vitamin preparations and medicines in general. Therefore, even if you avoid any medicines during pregnancy, do not refuse a course of vitamin B 9, at least for prevention purposes - this will save you and your child from a number of unjustified risks. Although sometimes it is necessary to compare the dosage prescribed by the doctor with the body's needs for folic acid.

Folic acid deficiency and its consequences

Vitamin B 9 deficiency can develop due to its low content in the diet, impaired absorption of micronutrients in the intestine, or with an increase in the need for this substance (pregnancy, lactation).

A common cause of this hypovitaminosis is the regular use of alcoholic beverages.

Folic acid deficiency is the most common symptom in pregnant women and infants. Vitamin B 9 deficiency in the fetus develops as a result of its lack in the mother's body, and in infants- due to its insufficient content in breast milk.

Folic acid deficiency in the body of a pregnant woman can serve as a factor in the whole a number of serious violations:

• miscarriage;
• congenital malformations;
• mental retardation;
• malformation of the neural tube;
• spina bifida (in the fetus);
• malformations of the circulatory system;
• cleft lip or cleft palate;
• anemia.

Lack of vitamin B 9 is not always accompanied by obvious symptoms. At the same time, according to research results, a lack of folic acid is present in 20-100% of people, depending on where they live. This is one of the most common hypovitaminosis. However, even in the absence of certain clinical symptoms, the likelihood of a heart attack and stroke increases significantly, and immunity drops.

Folic acid deficiency often leads to the development pernicious anemia in premature babies. An increase in the need for vitamin B 9 occurs in a number of pathologies: leukemia, hemolytic anemia, chronic infectious diseases, carcinomatosis.

First of all, with a lack of vitamin B 9, megaloblastic anemia develops. With this type of anemia, not only does the content of erythrocytes in the blood fall, but their activity is also disrupted, since most of them do not mature in bone marrow. If at the same time you do not make up for the lack of folic acid, symptoms such as loss of appetite, nervousness, loss of strength develop. Later, vomiting, diarrhea, alopecia join. Possible morphological disorders of the skin, the appearance of ulcers in oral cavity and throat. If not treated promptly, megaloblastic anemia can lead to death.

AT last years a number of clinical trials, as a result of which it was found that vitamin B 9 deficiency, disrupting the metabolism of sulfur amino acids, leads to a delay in the blood of the amino acid homocysteine. Homocysteine ​​has a negative effect on the intima of blood vessels, which leads to the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Violation of the absorption of vitamin B 9 can occur with diseases of the stomach, gastrectomy, when the body is deficient in anti-anemic factors (Castle factors) synthesized in the stomach. Folic acid can enter the bloodstream only by combining with antianemic factors, respectively, when they are deficient, the level of folic acid in the blood drops.

In addition to folic acid, the Castle factor carries cyanocobalamin into the blood. Therefore, long-term use of vitamin B 9 preparations increased dosage can lead to a lack of cyanocobalamin.

Also, a lack of vitamin B 9 is observed with severe pathologies liver. It is in the liver that the vitamin is transformed into tetrahydrofolate, which takes part in biochemical reactions. folic acid in primary form useless to the body.

If the body is deficient in vitamin B 9, the hematopoiesis system may be disrupted: red blood cells do not mature, and defective cells that are not able to transport oxygen are released into the blood. This is one of the reasons for the malformation of the nervous system in the fetus, since neurons cannot fully grow and develop under conditions of hypoxia.

Together with erythrocytes, the synthesis of leukocytes and platelets is disrupted, which can provoke a decrease in immunity and disrupt blood clotting. In pregnant women, vitamin B 9 deficiency may be accompanied by an iron deficiency. This increases the risk for both mother and baby.

Vitamin B 9 deficiency can develop with a lack of vitamins in the diet, fasting, following unbalanced diets for weight loss. However, the most common vitamin B 9 deficiency factor is dysbacteriosis. Dysbacteriosis develops as a result of prolonged, often uncontrolled intake of antibiotic drugs, incl. without a prescription from a doctor.

In the United States, there is a law requiring manufacturers to add a certain amount of vitamin B 9 to flour in order to prevent consumers from becoming deficient in this substance. In the USA, the prophylactic dose of vitamin B 9 is twice as high as in the Russian Federation.

Foods containing folic acid

Vitamin B 9 is found in large quantities in plant foods: spinach, onions, dill, parsley, beans, peas, buckwheat, oats, bran, bananas, walnuts, grapefruit, dried apricots, melons, yeast, pumpkin, mushrooms, beets, turnips and others

Also, a source of folic acid is meat and animal products: beef, lamb, pork, liver, kidneys, poultry meat, milk, eggs, trout, perch, cheese, etc.

A plate of cereal porridge with milk and a glass of orange juice fill 50% of the body's daily requirement for vitamin B 9 .

The use of bifidobacteria stimulates the endogenous formation of folic acid in the intestine.

Vitamin B 9 decomposes quite quickly under the influence of sunlight and simply during prolonged storage of food, as well as during thermal processing of products. The most rapidly destroyed folic acid contained in plant foods. Folic acid in meat is more stable.

Therefore, in order to preserve the vitamin in foods, it is recommended to consume raw foods. Vegetables are best consumed in the form raw salads. In such a salad, it is best to add garden cabbage, parsley, dill, beet, mint or dandelion leaves. It is also useful to add young nettles to the salad. Of the juices, it is better to drink orange and tomato - they contain the most folic acid.

Among meat products Most folic acid is found in the liver. The liver can be lightly fried and boiled for a short time - while vitamin B 9, which is part of it, is not destroyed.

Medicines containing folic acid

Folic acid is available as a drug Folacin. One tablet of the drug contains 5 mg of vitamin B 9. This is much more than the daily allowance, even for a pregnant woman. Excess folic acid has neither positive nor negative effects, but is simply excreted from the body. 1 tablet Apo Folica also contains 5 mg of vitamin B 9 . Considering increased content the substances in the tablet, Folacin and Apo-Folic, are used only in acute and severe vitamin deficiency. In order to prevent these drugs are not recommended.

In one tablet of the drug Folio contains 0.4 mg of vitamin B 9 and 0.2 mg of iodine. The advantage of this dosage form in that it contains two micronutrients, so there is no need for additional use of iodine preparations. The dose of vitamin B 9 in one tablet is low, so it is recommended as a prophylactic drug. Folio is not assigned when acute shortage or with an increased need for folic acid.

Vitamin B 9 is part of multivitamin preparations for pregnant women. The content of folic acid in one tablet each drug is different:

• Materna - 1 mg;
• Elevit - 1 mg;
• Vitrum prenatal - 0.8 mg
• Vitrum prenatal forte - 0.8 mg
• Multi-tabs perinatal - 0.4 mg
• Pregnavit - 0.75 mg.

Vitamin B 9 is absorbed much better from drugs than from food.

Apart from pharmaceuticals, folic acid can be obtained from biologically active additives.

Indications

• folic acid deficiency anemia;
• anemia as a complication after gastrectomy;
• sprue (tropical diarrhea);
• chronic intestinal inflammation;
• intestinal tuberculosis;
• pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• vitamin B deficiency 9.

• if there are pronounced signs of folic acid deficiency (in this case the dosage is calculated by the attending physician individually);
• if there are factors that increase the need for vitamin B 9, or stimulate its excretion from the body.

• use of combined oral contraceptives before conception;
• the use of Maalox or Phosphalugel;
• taking anticonvulsants during the planning period and during pregnancy;
• protein diet before conception;
• lack of plant foods in the diet;
• disruption of the digestive tract;
• vomiting during pregnancy.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that vitamin B 9 may have a positive effect in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease. In persons with this pathology, as a rule, the content of folic acid and cyanocobalamin in the blood is reduced.

Dosage and administration

The need for folic acid during pregnancy is 0.4 - 0.8 mg per day. However, in a deficient state, the dosage is significantly increased in order to compensate for the lack of a vitamin. The neural tube of the embryo begins to develop at 3-5 weeks of gestation. At this time, a woman may not know about pregnancy, and may not complete a timely course to compensate for folic acid deficiency. Therefore, vitamin B 9 must be taken 1-3 months before the expected pregnancy. It is most important to maintain the required level of folic acid in the first trimester.

Folic acid must be taken during lactation in the amount of 0.3 mg per day (possible in the form of a multivitamin complex). This serves as a preventive course for both mother and child. If you use the drug in high doses (for example, 1 mg), then the excess amount of the vitamin is simply excreted from the woman's body without harming either her or the baby.

It is important to observe the regularity in the use of vitamin B 9. However, given that any drug contains a dose that exceeds the daily requirement for a vitamin, skipping one dose should not cause concern.

• Atherosclerosis. 5 mg of vitamin B 9 per day for two weeks, then - 1 mg. It is recommended to use in the form of a B-group vitamin complex.
• Aphthous stomatitis. As a rule, aphthae (sores on the oral mucosa) appear along with cracks in the lips with a deficiency of vitamins and micronutrients involved in hematopoiesis. Among them: vitamin B 9, iron and cyanocobalamin. The recommended dosage is 5 mg of vitamin B 9 3 times a day and 10 mg of iron glycinate for 120-180 days. Once every 30 days, inject cyanocobalamin - 1 mg. During treatment, it is necessary to regularly check the level of cyanocobalamin.
• Viral hepatitis. Folic acid is used as aid. It is recommended to take 5 mg 3 times a day for 10 days, then 5 mg once a day.
• Gingivitis and periodontitis. Take orally 1 mg of vitamin B 9 times a day, rinse the mouth 2 times a day for one minute with a 1% solution of the vitamin for 60-70 days.
• Depression. Often seen in individuals with folic acid deficiency. Take 2-5 mg every day in combination with B-group vitamins.
• Osteochondrosis. Vitamin B 9 is involved in the formation of a framework from collagen, on which calcium salts accumulate. Without a collagen framework, the bone does not acquire the necessary strength. The recommended dosage is once a day, 5 mg of vitamin B 9, 50 mg of vitamin B6, 50 mg of B-complex vitamins.
• Tumor of the large intestine. If any of your relatives in a straight line had this oncological disease, it is strongly recommended to take 1-5 mg of vitamin B 9 and 100 mg of B-complex vitamins once a day.
• Spasm of the colon. It manifests itself in the form of alternating constipation and diarrhea, colic and bloating. Lack of vitamin B 9 can lead to chronic constipation, which leads to spasm of the colon. It is necessary to start with 10 mg of the vitamin once a day. If no progress is observed after 15-20 days, the dose should be increased to 20-60 mg per day until a positive effect occurs. Further, the dosage is gradually reduced. At the same time, it is recommended to take 0.1 g of B-complex vitamins once a day. During the course, it is necessary to regularly check the level of cyanocobalamin. It is recommended to include in the diet oat bran containing water-soluble fiber. wheat bran in this case they are not suitable, since their fiber is insoluble.
• Epilepsy. After an epileptic attack, the level of vitamin B 9 in the brain decreases. Anticonvulsants also reduce its plasma concentration. As a result, seizures become more frequent. Usually, epilepsy is prescribed 5 mg once a day. However, the drug should be taken only after consulting a doctor.

Overdose

A serious disadvantage of long-term use of vitamin B 9 preparations is that it hides the symptoms of megaloblastic anemia, but does not stop the neurological disorders characteristic of this disease. Therefore, with prolonged use of vitamin B 9 preparations, a latent progression of severe neurological disorders caused by a lack of cyanocobalamin. Just 10 years ago, it was generally accepted that there was no overdose of this micronutrient. However, studies are now known that indicate that pregnant women who have been taking vitamin B 9 preparations at an increased dosage for a long time give birth to children with weak immunity, tendency to bronchial asthma and colds .

Hypervitaminosis

Side effects

Vitamin B 9 does not have a toxic effect on the human body. Clinical studies have been conducted on the long-term use of vitamin B 9 at a dosage of 15 mg per day (40 times the daily requirement of the body). According to the results of studies, the drug did not have any toxic effect. However, prolonged intake (more than 90 days) of vitamin B 9 at an increased dosage can lead to a drop in the level of cyanocobalamin in the blood, which can cause anemia. Increased doses of the vitamin can provoke disorders of the digestive tract, increase excitability, and cause an imbalance in the functioning of the kidneys.

Some drugs reduce the content of vitamin B 9 in blood plasma. Among them:

• acetylsalicylic acid (at an increased dosage);
• nitrofurans (taken for urinary tract infections);
• combined oral contraceptives;

Folic acid and men's health

Main indicator men's health considered to be the state of spermatozoa. Spermatozoa are the same cells, their synthesis requires protein and nucleic acids. In the absence of vitamin B 9, sperm synthesis is impaired. With a lack of a vitamin, the concentration of spermatozoa decreases, and their condition worsens: spermatozoa may have an unnatural shape or not have a tail, which reduces their mobility. But the worst thing is that such spermatozoa may have the wrong number of chromosomes, and this is the main factor in hereditary diseases in children (eg Down's syndrome).

Vitamin B 9 and the hormone testosterone determine the normal development of spermatozoa. Folic acid is extremely important for men in puberty, since it is one of the factors in the development of secondary sexual characteristics (coarsening of the voice, facial and body hair, intensive growth).

Folic acid in the treatment and prevention of cancer

Leucovorin is a folinic acid-based drug successfully used as part of cancer chemotherapy. It reduces the severity of intoxication after the use of cytotoxic drugs (vomiting, diarrhea, hyperthermia, bone marrow damage).

Recent studies by scientists in the United States have proven the relationship between taking vitamin B 9 preparations and the progression of colon tumors.

Since 1980, Harvard has conducted a survey every 2 years, in which approximately 90,000 women with children participated. The questions concerned nutrition and, separately, the intake of vitamin complexes. In 1994, the collected information was carefully examined for the incidence of colon cancer, the third most common cancer among women in the United States. Survey data showed that women who took sufficient amounts of vitamin B 9 - more than 0.4 g mg per day, were least likely to suffer from this disease.

Scientists concluded: 75% of cases of colon tumors in women can be avoided if prophylactic doses of vitamin B 9 are consumed throughout life.

Research has led to another important conclusion. Least of all, a tumor of the large intestine occurred in women who regularly consumed vitamin complexes over the past 10-15 years.

Folic acid and prevention of atherosclerosis

Today, a new theory of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is popular in Western countries. According to this theory, the main cause of the progression of atherosclerosis is high level in the blood is not well-known cholesterol, but another bioactive factor - homocysteine.

Homocysteine ​​is 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 ​​accumulates in the blood and destroys the walls blood vessels causing inflammation. Cholesterol is involved in this process at later stages. Supporters of the new theory argue that without homocysteine, even with an elevated level of cholesterol in the blood, atherosclerosis does not progress.

What is the role of folic acid in this vein? The fact is that it is it that is necessary for the synthesis in the body of enzymes that transform homocysteine ​​into methionine. Deficiency of vitamin B 9 causes a deficiency of the corresponding enzyme. As a result, excess homocysteine ​​accumulates in the blood, which leads to the progression of atherosclerosis, and then to its complications - ischemia of the heart muscle, heart attack, stroke.

Folic acid is a particularly oxidatively sensitive B vitamin, also known as folacin and vitamin B9. Its main task is to produce red blood cells, maintain an optimal level of amino acids and prevent changes in DNA.

Vitamin deficiency can lead to elevated level homocysteine, headaches and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. At the same time, an excessive amount can cause nausea, bloating and sleep disturbance.

Folic acid got its name from Latin word"folium", which means tree leaf.

Biological role

Increased Risk the development of a neural tube defect in the fetus and brain disorders occurs in the first weeks of pregnancy. By this time, there are signs of the formation of all organs of the unborn child, including the respiratory and central nervous systems, in the formation of which folic acid is involved.

Daily use 400 micrograms (mcg) of a vitamin should be started 2 to 3 months before conception.

“10% of the women studied inherited a particular enzyme variant that affects the body's use of folic acid. As a result, the use of vitamin pills or dietary supplements led to the development of breast cancer, instead of the opposite effect.

According to the expert, resorting to synthetic versions of folic acid should be done only in special cases: during an attempt to get pregnant or for people suffering from anemia.

In the USA, Canada, South Africa and Australia, according to WHO recommendations, for the prevention and treatment iron deficiency anemia among women childbearing age recently began to enrich corn and wheat flour folic acid. In the United States and Canada, after the introduction of such norms, the birth of children with a neural tube defect has decreased by a third.

The use of folic acid when planning pregnancy is indicated not only for women, but also for men. After taking dietary supplements in various combinations of zinc and folic acid, sperm production increased significantly, according to a published 2002 study from the Medical Center Nijmegen.

The experiment involved 112 patients, most of whom had problems conceiving a child. The first group received daily zinc in the amount of 66 mg, the second placebo group and the third group received a combination of zinc (66 mg) and folic acid (5 mg).

As a result, the participants of the third group managed to increase sperm fertility up to 74% during the 26 weeks of the experiment. The results of the participants in the other two groups remained at the level of the beginning of the experiment.

Daily intake of folic acid

Women with a neural tube defect diagnosed in the fetus, as well as women who have previously given birth to children with this pathological disease, should take 5 mg of folic acid daily during the periconceptional period.

Daily requirement of folic acid for other populations:

• Children 1 to 3 years of age: 150 mcg daily;
• Children 4 to 8 years old: 200 mcg daily;
• Children 9 to 13 years old: 300 mcg daily;
• Adolescents 14 to 18 years of age: 400 mcg per day;
• Adult men and women: 400 micrograms per day.

Too much folic acid

Having too much vitamin B9 in the body can lead to unpleasant consequences: digestive problems, loss of appetite, pain in the abdomen and stomach, flatulence, bad smell from the mouth, sleep disturbance, depression, excessive agitation and irritability. More serious symptoms include: mental disorders, pain in the mouth, weakness, impaired attention, fatigue, and even convulsions. Allergic reaction folic acid may cause difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, or skin rash.

Sources of Folic Acid

Folic acid is also found in egg yolk, beans, lentils, walnuts, cod and a small amount fruits. Heat treatment of foods can reduce their content of the vitamin, so the consumption of fruits and vegetables is recommended in fresh. As part of a healthy eating program, folic acid is found in cereal products and breakfast cereals.

Fruits and vegetables

According to the Ministry Agriculture US 100 g of pink grapefruit contains 10 mcg folic acids and about 25 micrograms in one glass of freshly squeezed juice. Approximately 8% of the daily value of the vitamin is found in one small orange, while in a glass orange juice contains twice as much folic acid - 75 mcg.

Lettuce, turnip greens, mustard, broccoli, Chinese and Brussels sprouts are good sources folic acid. But unlike animal products, the vitamin content of vegetables can be reduced by up to 40% during their preparation. 100 g fresh Brussels sprouts contains 61 micrograms of folic acid.

Other vegetables and fruits high content folic acid: asparagus, artichoke, okra, corn, cauliflower, potatoes and beets. Tomato juice, melon, avocado, and soy milk also contain this important vitamin.

Beans and legumes

Fortified food

Table of folic acid content in products

Research

In another study, researchers at the Teleton Institute of Pediatrics in Western Australia found a link between folic acid and brain cancer in unborn babies. Between 2005 and 2011, scientists were able to collect information on 327 children diagnosed with a brain tumor. For completeness of information, children without this disease were included in the study.

As a result, experts concluded that taking folic acid during planning and possibly in the first weeks of pregnancy reduces the risk of developing a brain tumor in an unborn child by about 32%. In addition, most mothers took other vitamins along with folic acid, which could support the effect of healthy fetal development.

The head of the study, Professor Elizabeth Milne, noted the relationship between the presence of folic acid in the body of pregnant women and the formation of a brain tumor in the fetus: “Folic acid supports healthy formation DNA is also involved in the development of fetal brain cells, which is extremely important for the unborn child.”

Answers on questions

Answer: Most birth defects in the fetus occur due to a lack of vitamins and minerals in the body of the expectant mother in the first weeks of pregnancy. Therefore, in order to protect the unborn child from a neural tube defect and other diseases, it is important to start taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily 2-3 months before planning a pregnancy.

Question: My first child was born with a neural tube defect. Should I take specific steps to prepare for my next pregnancy?

Answer: Women whose first pregnancy was abnormal should first contact their doctor. Usually in such cases, a daily intake of folic acid is prescribed a month before pregnancy planning in the amount of 4.0 mg. It is no longer worth taking because of the risk of developing other fetal diseases.

Question: I can't swallow large pills. How else can I take vitamins with folic acid?

Answer: Today, folic acid multivitamins can be chewy and liquid, round or oval, chocolate or fruit flavored. In addition, folic acid-fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals, can be taken instead of the vitamin.

Question: How to force yourself to take vitamins with folic acid every day?

Answer: Take vitamins daily at the same time. For example, after brushing your teeth or with breakfast. Set an alarm on your phone as a reminder, or if you already have kids, take vitamins with them.

Question: What other health benefits does folic acid have?

Answer: Folic acid helps prevent some other birth defects such as cleft palate and certain types heart disease. In addition, folic acid fights other diseases, but the effect of the vitamin on them is not fully understood. In any case, adult men and women should take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily.

Question: Can I take more folic acid?

Answer: If your doctor does not prohibit, then you can.

Question: What is "synthetic" folic acid?

Answer: Synthetic folic acid is a man-made form of folic acid found in most multivitamins and food supplements. Typically, such a product is labeled "fortified." The words "folic acid" and "synthetic folic acid" mean the same thing.

Almost all women are prescribed folic acid during pregnancy, since this component is necessary when planning and initial stage fetal development. Even active opponents of any drugs favorably refer to this remedy. It is important that the dosage of folic acid during pregnancy is correct and does not exceed the permissible norm.

The fact is that the lack of this vitamin provokes Negative consequences. Folic acid plays a role in DNA synthesis, as well as in the process of cell growth and division. It is vital for laying the nervous system of the fetus. Thanks to this element, it is possible to prevent the appearance of defects in the brain, neural tube, etc.

This component belongs to the B vitamins. It is also called vitamin B9. This is an important component for human body, but it is often lacking. Especially often the deficiency is observed in pregnant women and young children. Initially, this may not be noticeable, but over time, there is a violation of appetite, fatigue, irritability, diarrhea, vomiting, the mouth becomes covered with ulcers, hair falls out. AT advanced cases megaloblastic anemia occurs, most often leading to death.

Folic acid, which is found in foods, breaks down quickly when exposed to sunlight and heat, so it is often prescribed in tablet form. Daily dose folic acid for pregnant women must be prescribed by a doctor.

Why is its use so important? The explanation lies in several points:

• It is involved in DNA synthesis. Without it, cell division is impossible. In other words, this vitamin necessary element, which is responsible for the development of tissues and organs. This is especially important for the formation of the embryo.
• Important for hematopoiesis. Participates in the formation of such blood elements as erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets.
• Necessary for the creation of nucleic acids involved in the transmission of hereditary features.
• Participates in the formation of the fetal brain and neural tube.

Folic acid is excreted from the body of a pregnant woman faster than usual. Taking certain medications increases the need for this component, for example, estrogens, antacids, anticonvulsants and zinc preparations.


In addition to the fact that the vitamin is involved in the creation of cells of the nervous system, it is necessary to replace the approximately 70 trillion cells of the mother, because they are constantly updated. Its deficiency can be passed on to the baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

In many countries prerequisite in is the reception this important vitamin during pregnancy planning and within three months of pregnancy. Also, this recommendation is combined with the addition of folates in the form of food. Studies have shown that mothers who follow these tips have a reduced risk of having children with defects.

There is one minus in folic acid, because of which it is prescribed only for early stages pregnancy. The point is its property of accumulation in fatty tissues. As a result long-term use the component can be contained in the body in excess, which makes the muscles very elastic, and this is an undesirable effect before childbirth.

What products contain folic acid

Some foods contain folic acid. But the problem is that when cooking, a significant part of it is destroyed. Because of this, one should resort to medical method drug administration.

There are several types of drugs that include this component:

• folic acid tablets. They contain 1 mg of the substance. it best option, because at the cost of the pills are available to everyone. There, folic acid is contained in the dose required during pregnancy. In other drugs, it is more. For a woman to get the norm, one tablet per day is enough. During the planning period and the first trimester of pregnancy, the doctor prescribes 2-3 tablets per day. It is believed that there can be no overdose, the consequences of a deficiency are much worse.
• Folacin . It contains 5 mg of the substance. But in this form, folic acid during pregnancy can cause an overdose. There will be no harm to the body, but more, too, because an excess amount will be excreted.
• Apo-filic . It contains 5 mg of the substance. This dosage is not preventive, but therapeutic. That is why folic acid for pregnant women in this dosage is prescribed only in case of a clear deficiency.
• Folio . It contains 40 micrograms of folic acid, as well as 200 micrograms of iodine. This is the convenient drug - it includes two important element. Such folic acid is indicated for pregnant women as a prophylactic dosage. It will fill the needs of the mother and child in the absence of a deficit.
• such as Elevit, Materna, Vitrum prenatal, etc. In all of them, a prophylactic dosage. In the absence of a deficiency, it is enough to take such complexes, where folic acid is present in the dosage required during pregnancy.

Folic Acid Products

The main source is wholemeal flour. A lot of vitamin in spinach, green peas, parsley, lettuce and beans. Significant amounts are also found in citrus fruits, avocados, and asparagus. Among animal products, the richest is the liver. Folic acid is present in small amounts in meat, fish and cheese.


Despite the fact that vegetarians do not eat meat, they do not have a shortage. After all, they eat a sufficient amount of plant products, including greens. If you do not take them in large quantities, then you need to supplement the diet with folic acid in the form of tablets. In this case it is difficult to satisfy daily allowance with the help of food. This is especially true in the cold season.

To keep enough folic acid in vegetables, you need to eat them raw. You can also steam cook. The intake of this vitamin through the use natural products prevents the risk of developing cancer, affects the transfer of hereditary information to DNA.

If a person's microflora is in order, then folic acid can be independently synthesized in a small amount. But it removes its strong tea from the body.

Dosage during pregnancy

Doctors say that every second woman in position needs vitamin B9. Therefore, it is so important to know what dose of folic acid for pregnant women is indicated for a particular mom. The daily dose during the gestation period increases. The minimum dosage of folic acid in the first trimester of pregnancy is 400 mcg per day. But in most cases, it takes twice as much - 800 mcg. If, as a result of the tests, it turns out that the deficiency is strong, then the dosage of folic acid during pregnancy in tablets reaches 5 mg.

The most common pills are those in which folic acid, necessary during pregnancy, is contained in a dosage of 1 mg. One such tablet per day may be enough. In this case, an overdose cannot occur.

If a woman has a pronounced deficiency, then she will need more “strong” drugs - for example, Folacin or Apo-folic. In one such tablet, folic acid contains a therapeutic dose for pregnant women - 5 mg.

How to prevent an overdose?

You should clearly know in what dosage to take folic acid for pregnant women in order to prevent an overdose, although it is not toxic to humans. An overdose can occur only if the drug is taken in a hundred times the normal dose. For example, 25-30 tablets per day.


Long-term use of high doses can be harmful for both mother and baby. There is a decrease in vitamin B12 in the blood, which causes anemia. Gastrointestinal disorders may appear, kidney function changes, and nervous excitability increases. This can happen if you take 10-15 mg of the drug daily for three months or more.

Overdose symptoms:

• Appearance metallic taste and bitterness in the mouth.
• Increased excitability, sleep disturbance and irritability.
• Gastrointestinal disorders - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence.
• Kidney disorders.
• Deficiency of zinc and vitamin B12.

Scientists from Norway conducted an experiment showing that women with a high content of vitamin B9 were 1.5 times more likely to have children who were prone to asthmatic diseases. But scientists could not name the dosage that leads to such consequences.

It is important to know that pregnancy and folic acid are inseparable, but the dosage should only be determined by a doctor. Already at the first consultation with a gynecologist, future mother introduce this element. Some believe that it should only be taken for the first three months. Next is to switch to a complex of vitamins. Other experts are sure that it is necessary to take folic acid in early pregnancy at the prescribed dosage, but also at the rest of the time. It has been proven that even the representatives of the stronger sex, who are preparing to become fathers, benefit from the use of this substance.

The drug is sold in any pharmacy and always remains affordable. The cost may vary depending on the manufacturer and form of release. Before buying, you should check with your doctor what dosage of folic acid is required during pregnancy. individual case. It is not worth making a decision about taking this drug on your own. Despite all its benefits, it is important that the doctor himself establishes the necessary dosage for a pregnant woman. It is important to take your situation seriously, then the baby will be born absolutely healthy!

Useful video about folic acid and pregnancy planning

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