Folic acid at 40. Folic acid for women: useful properties, use and dosage. What is the danger of a lack of folic acid in the body for women

Today I will tell you about the benefits of folic acid for women. Yes, yes, for all women, not just pregnant women :) I am sure that you will learn a lot of new things for yourself. Happy reading!

All my life I considered folic acid vitamins exclusively for pregnant women and even at first I was a little afraid to take them, I don’t know why :)

But how wrong I was, because folic acid is a real female vitamin that all women need to take at any time. Even the doctor told me about this in order to always be ready for pregnancy (if it comes unexpectedly), and in order to improve my appearance and general condition.

A lack of folic acid in the body can lead to:

A deficiency during pregnancy to:

• miscarriage
• mental retardation
• Brain herniation
• Anemia
• Malformations
• Spina bifida in the fetus
• And many other serious consequences

Folic acid is found in the leaves of green plants (cabbage, lettuce), liver, yolk, legumes, yeast, cheese.

By the way, if you have gray hair, then there is a high probability that you do not have enough folic acid. Do not rush to paint over them right away, watch: if the gray hair is short (a couple of centimeters), it means that a couple of months ago you experienced stress, some kind of illness, a malfunction of the body, or your body began to lack vitamins.

Take 1-2 tablets one to three times a day. Depending on what goal you are pursuing.

If you want to drink just like vitamins (as I did) or are planning a pregnancy, then one tablet (1 mg each) twice a day during or after meals is optimal.

If you are pregnant, then consult your doctor, I am not qualified in this.

I take courses of one month twice a year (usually in early spring and autumn). Why only one month? Because I am allergic and by the end of the month a slight reaction appears around my mouth, and in general I do not welcome the long-term use of some vitamins, the body must receive them naturally or produce something on its own. In addition, I read somewhere that folic acid can cause unwanted growth of tumors (not only malignant, but also benign). This, of course, is not proven, but I decided to listen, since I get a cyst from time to time.

As for the tablets themselves, they are small and easily absorbed, which is especially important for girls during the first trimester, when you can’t swallow anything at all.

They taste completely different, it all depends on the manufacturer. I have come across both sweet and tasteless, and even a little bitter.

If you are planning a pregnancy, then it is better to take it six months in advance (if you do not have allergic reactions) or at least 2 months in advance, together with vitamin E (aevit is prohibited!).

It will not be superfluous to take vitamins for the future father of the child to improve spermatozoa.

Once pregnancy has occurred, you don’t need to quit vitamins, you need to continue in the same spirit throughout the first trimester (at a time when all the internal organs and tissues of the child are laid), only increase the dosage to 8 mg (8 tablets per day).

It is worth saying that folic acid does not affect the formation of pregnancy in any way (unlike vitamin E), it simply prepares the body for gestation, saturates it with the necessary trace elements.

Feedback on taking folic acid

I can say about myself that when I start to lead a healthy lifestyle, eat right and take vitamins, I start to feel better, I start to feel happy. I fall asleep faster, I need less time to sleep, I recover faster, there is some kind of optimistic outlook on some things and on the world as a whole. The same thing happened with folic acid.

I wrote above that I drink the course in spring and autumn. Why? In the spring - because after the winter there is a lack of vitamins, and in the fall - to prevent the autumn blues (I am happy to report that folic acid copes with this perfectly well!).

In addition to my general condition, my appearance has improved, specifically: skin, nails and hair.

Well, my nails just grow unrealistic, half a centimeter a week, and since I don’t wear long ones, I’m already tired of cutting them :)

A small addition: I don’t wear long ones, because they exfoliate and break quickly, or rather they broke. I decided to conduct an experiment, and while taking folic acid to grow nails. I can’t say loudly that they stopped breaking at all, but the fact that they stay long longer is yes! My wearing time has increased by about two weeks.

Folic acid for hair

On the hair, growth is not so noticeable, but still replacements. Also, the hair begins to fall out much less, and in general, it seems to look better and healthier. I can’t even say what is changing in them, but they are changing, and even for the better, that’s for sure.

Also, if your gray hair has started to appear and you are still young, then it is more likely that it will stop. After all, the reason may be a lack of vitamin B9 (aka folic acid).

During the reception, the skin was noticeably cleared, acne stopped climbing. But, unfortunately, after stopping the reception, everything returned to normal. Some advise to drink these vitamins the first half of the cycle (i.e. the first 2 weeks if your cycle is 28 days), and the second to rest in order to completely get rid of acne. But I don't want to get used to any drug and, again, I'm afraid for my allergies. But, they say that the method is effective, so be sure to try it if you are worried about acne!

A woman in any period of her life wants to blossom and be beautiful. And although time flies rapidly, and with age we all notice changes in well-being, we must strive to do everything in our power to preserve inner health and outer beauty. And the age of 40-50 years is definitely not a reason to put an end to yourself and not pay due attention to health.

Everyone knows that it is at this age that hormonal changes occur in the body of a woman, due to decreased production of the sex hormone estrogen, which normally slows down the aging process, counteracts the development of cardiovascular complications.

This period of a woman's life can be accompanied by a number of unpleasant phenomena, the manifestation of which can be significantly smoothed out, and in some cases prevented by correctly adjusting your diet. For example, you can reduce the symptoms of an approaching menopause by increasing the consumption of vegetables and fruits. Plant-based estrogen is found in many types of plant-based foods, from apples to alfalfa sprouts and split peas, spinach, and especially foods made from flaxseed and grape seed.
Studies have shown that with age, women are at risk of developing serious diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. According to scientists, the most dangerous period of their debut comes during menopause. According to the latest statistics, the leading causes of death in women are:

a) Heart disease (heart attack or heart failure);

b) Vascular diseases of the brain (stroke).

Therefore, scientists seriously attended to this problem and in the course of their research identified the main nutrients, using which a woman will be able to stay alert, healthy and active much longer. Proper nutrition after 40 for women is quite easy to adjust if you follow the recommendations below.

5 Nutrients Women Can't Do Without

Doctors strongly recommend that every woman include them in her diet in order to maintain health and blooming appearance for as long as possible. These substances will help protect a woman's body not only from the development of cardiovascular diseases, but also reduce the occurrence of other chronic diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and hypertension.

1. VitaminD

Women who don't get enough vitamin D are automatically at high risk of developing osteoporosis. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium, which helps keep bones strong.

There are three ways to get vitamin D: from your skin, from your diet, and from vitamin supplements. Unfortunately, as skin ages, the ability to produce vitamin D in response to sun exposure decreases.

Exit:

1) the use of low-fat dairy products (milk, kefir, cottage cheese, hard cheeses) - every day, fish (cod salmon) 2-3 times a week, mushrooms (chanterelles) - if possible.
2) taking multivitamins.

2. Calcium (Ca)

Calcium helps the body build new bone cells. Postmenopausal women should consume at least 1200 milligrams of calcium per day. If you drink milk 2 glasses a day, morning and evening, then the daily proportion of calcium is unlikely to reach the required norm. Therefore, it is necessary to use an alternative method, which you will now learn about.

In many developed countries, where life expectancy is quite long, special food supplements are used. There are two main forms of calcium in supplements: calcium carbonate and calcium citrate.

Calcium carbonate is inexpensive and better absorbed, especially when taken with food. While calcium citrate is more expensive, it can be taken on an empty stomach. But in essence, they are no different.

In addition to dairy products, calcium can also be found in tofu cheese, cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal), vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, Chinese cabbage), soft-boned fish (sardine and salmon).

3. Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are in the form of polyunsaturated fats. This healthy fat helps to slow down the development of atherosclerosis (removes "bad" cholesterol from the body), lowers blood pressure.

A number of studies have found that fish oil supplements, about 1 to 4 grams per day, reduce triglyceride levels by 20-50%.

Omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained in three ways:

1) Capsule forms (sold in a pharmacy without a prescription, an adequate daily dose of 300-400 mg of OMEGA-3 PUFAs)

2) Eat oily fish (salmon, tilapia or cod) 2-3 times a week.

3) Do not forget about the use of olive oil, which contains monounsaturated fatty acids.

4. Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)

According to a recent study, postmenopausal women who experience insufficient dietary intake of vitamin B12 are prone to developing anemia.

Researchers have found that women with anemia tend to consume less protein, folic acid (also called vitamin B9), iron, vitamin C, and vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 levels decrease with age as we age. One of the reasons for poor absorption of the vitamin is the lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach cavity.

The consequence of a lack of vitamin B12 in the body can be:

- increased fatigue,

- unhealthy weight loss

- bad memory

For women who are vegetarians or vegans, it is recommended to eat special food supplements or take courses of intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 in spring and autumn.

5. Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)

It is perhaps the best-known and vital nutrient for women during pregnancy, but it is also essential for older women.

Folic acid is an important component in the body's cardio-protective function.

Its deficiency in the body of a woman is manifested by the following symptoms:

- anemia,

- weight loss,

- general weakness

- headache attacks

high levels of homocysteine ​​in the blood, a risk factor for heart disease.

Women who consume adequate amounts of folic acid have a lower risk of developing arterial hypertension compared to those who consume insufficient amounts. This does not mean that women should take high doses of folic acid. The recommended daily dose is 400 mcg.

Folic acid is found in the leaves of green vegetables, citrus fruits, wild berries, nuts and olive oil.

Dear women, watch your diet, and this will help you cope with the consequences of hormonal changes that occur in your body after 40 years and remain full of strength and vitality for a long time.

Folic acid is required by a woman in a certain amount. It is involved in protein metabolism, which means that its deficiency will affect the state of the whole organism. This vitamin has the greatest influence on hematopoiesis and the neuroendocrine system. Folic acid is especially necessary for women after 40, since hormonal levels change at this age. Vitamin deficiency can exacerbate symptoms such as frequent flushing, emotional outbursts, and reduced performance.

Why does the female body need vitamin B9

Folic acid (vitamin B9) enters the body with food and is partially produced by the normal intestinal microflora.

Derivatives of folic acid are called folates. Folates are especially needed by rapidly dividing cells, which is why growing children and pregnant women need them to ensure proper growth and development of the fetus. The nervous system of the fetus can especially suffer from folate deficiency, so pregnant women are prescribed high doses of folate.

After 40 years, folic acid becomes even more important for a woman. This happens because the physiological process of hormonal changes in the body begins. Especially important is the fact that the secretion of estrogens, which supported the activity of not only the reproductive organs, but also the rest of the body, is reduced. The benefits of vitamin B9 are associated with its estrogen-like action.

How folate deficiency manifests itself

Folate is not stored in the body, so it needs to be replenished every day. More than half of women suffer from their deficiency. Most often this is due to:

• deficiency of vitamin B9 in the diet, since it is almost completely destroyed during the heat treatment of products;
• high need for folic acid in certain periods of life (during growth, pregnancy, menopause);
• violation of the absorption of folates in the intestine in various diseases of the digestive system.

The first symptoms of deficiency are loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, inability to perform daily duties. The mood is also disturbed, the extreme manifestation of this symptom is depression. There is irritable weakness, tearfulness, insomnia at night and drowsiness during the day.

Prolonged deficiency of vitamin B9 leads to the development of megaloblastic anemia. The condition is associated with a violation of the maturation of red blood cells - erythrocytes. Immature giant erythrocytes are called megaloblasts and do not cope with their function of transfer to the organs and tissues of the body.

The disease manifests itself in the form of loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath. Often stomatitis develops in the mouth - aphthous ulcers appear, gums bleed, hair falls out, nails become dull and brittle, memory is impaired, the ability to acquire new knowledge and skills.

All about vitamin B9 - in one video

What is the danger of hypovitaminosis B9 for women

In children and adolescents, vitamin deficiency manifests itself in a lag in growth and sexual development. In the second half of a woman's life, it can manifest itself in the form of an early menopause. Sometimes menopause begins on time (after 40 years), but proceeds with a number of unpleasant symptoms, then they talk about menopausal syndrome, which can develop against a background of folate deficiency.

The most dangerous is hypovitaminosis B9 during pregnancy. It is needed for the development of fetal nerve cells, which not only divide very quickly, but also acquire a certain specialization - they differentiate.

Deficiency is manifested by signs of impaired brain development in the fetus, which can be seen on ultrasound: swelling of the brain, an increase in the size of the head (hydrocephalus), underdevelopment or complete absence of the brain (microcephaly or anencephaly), the appearance of a crack in the spine, when the spinal cord of the fetus and outgoing from it the nerves remain uncovered (spina bifida,) and so on.

Sometimes the changes are not visible, but after birth the child lags behind in neuropsychic development. Against the background of vitamin B9 deficiency, the fetus may also develop other anomalies (heart defects, etc.).

Violations of the structure and function of the placenta are also possible. This can result in miscarriage and malnutrition of the fetus, as a result of which the brain suffers.

What is the danger of an overabundance of anti-anemic vitamin

If vitamins enter the body with food, their overdose is almost impossible. It is dangerous to take medicines and dietary supplements with folates for a long time.

Too much folate will cause vitamin B12 deficiency. This is manifested in the development of anemia and diseases of the peripheral nerves. Symptoms of an overdose of folic acid:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth;
• the appearance of increased anxiety, nervous excitability;
• insomnia;
• various kinds of elements of a rash on the skin;
• sharp paroxysmal pains in the heart.

With an excess of folic acid, the risk of rapid progression of tumor processes also increases, since all rapidly dividing cells need folic acid. If there is no tumor, folates prevent its development, but already in a state of precancer, they stimulate tumor growth.

Folic acid for women over 40

Between the ages of 40 and 45, menopause begins. This condition is also called perimenopause and is divided into 3 periods: premenopause (from the onset of menopause to the last menstruation), menopause (last menstruation) and postmenopause (after menopause).

Menopause is accompanied by emotional disorders, instability of blood pressure (BP), frequent hot flashes, etc. Metabolism is disturbed, which manifests itself in postmenopause in the form of osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and related pathology.

Why do women need folic acid after 45:

• due to estrogen-like properties - it has an effect similar to the female sex hormones estrogen; this property allows, if not eliminated, then significantly smooth out such symptoms of premenopause as hot flashes, sweating, blood pressure drops, palpitations, etc .;
• increases mental and physical performance, improves mood, eliminates depression; this happens because B9 is involved in the exchange of such neurotransmitters (substances by which nerve impulses are transmitted) as the stress hormone adrenaline and the happiness hormone serotonin;
• suppresses skin aging, reduces dryness of mucous membranes.

Why do women need folic acid after 50:

• B9 has anti-atherosclerotic properties - it normalizes cholesterol metabolism, prevents the deposition of atherosclerotic plaques and related diseases of the circulatory system;
• prevents osteoporosis;
• stimulates the synthesis of blood cells;
• stimulates the immune system, thus suppressing infections and oncological processes.

Vitamin B9 for Women's Health

The benefits of folate for a woman are invaluable: children and adolescents grow, their cells are intensively dividing. With a deficiency of folic acid, the girl lags behind in physical, mental and sexual development.

The impact of B9 on a woman of childbearing age is enormous. Under its influence, the neuroendocrine system functions correctly, on the state of which the health and appearance of a woman depends. During pregnancy, it is needed to carry the fetus.

When the physiological aging process begins, folates reduce the manifestations of menopausal syndrome. After 50 years, folic acid for women is a protection against such consequences of metabolic disorders as osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, etc.

Produce folic acid in tablets of 1 mg. For treatment, doctors prescribe large dosages of the drug (up to 5 mg per day). For prevention, 200 mcg per day (a fifth of the tablet) is enough. You need to take a vitamin once a day.

Folic acid and beauty

Vitamin B9 preserves the beauty and youth of a woman. The cells of the skin epithelium are constantly updated, the skin is rejuvenated. Reproduction of epithelial cells occurs by division with the participation of folic acid.

B9 is also involved in protein metabolism, as a result of which collagen and elastin proteins are formed in fibrocytes (connective tissue cells located in the deep layers of the skin), giving the skin an elastic, fresh look and elasticity.

How much folic acid does a woman need

The daily requirement of women for folic acid:

• 11 - 14 years old - 150 mcg;
• 15 years old and over forty years old - 200 mcg;
• pregnant women - 400 mcg;
• lactating mothers - 300 mcg.

Interaction of folic acid with vitamins and minerals

Folic acid supplementation works well with most vitamins and minerals. But before you start taking vitamins, you should consult your doctor and find out their compatibility. Compatibility of B9 with other vitamins and minerals:

• B12 (cyanocobalamin) - perfectly combined, complementing the action (but with long-term use folic acid deficiency develops cyanocobalamin and as a result - severe pernicious anemia);
• B6 (pyridoxine) - goes well and helps prevent atherosclerosis; prolonged B6 deficiency leads to B9 deficiency;
• B3 (nicotine, PP) - compatible;
• C (ascorbic) - perfectly combined, with ascorbic B9 it is better absorbed;
• E (tocopherol) - a neutral combination;
• A (retinol) - a neutral combination;
• D (calciferol) is a neutral combination.

Folic acid is not compatible with:

• B2 (riboflavin) - with this combination, B9 quickly decomposes;
• zinc - an insoluble precipitate is formed that is not absorbed into the blood.

What foods contain B9

A feature of the folates contained in the products is the impossibility of an overdose. Therefore, during menopause in the diet you need to have the following products:

• garden greens, especially parsley (115 mcg / 100 g), dill and leek feathers, asparagus (260 mcg / 100 g);
• vegetables - cabbage (30 mcg/100 g), carrots, pumpkin, beets, tomatoes (45 mcg/100 g);
• legumes - beans, lentils, beans (160 mcg / 100 g);
• cereals - wheat (50 mcg / 100g), rye, buckwheat, corn;
• nuts - most of all in peanuts (240 mcg / 100 g);
• seeds - sunflower, pumpkin, sesame;
• fruits - most of all in citrus fruits (30 mcg / 100 g);
• berries - raspberries, currants, strawberries, watermelons (30 mcg / 100 g);
• animal liver (up to 240 mcg/100 g);
• fish liver;
• eggs.

Vitamin B9 is essential for a woman's body. A woman especially needs this vitamin during pregnancy and menopause. It protects women from the unpleasant symptoms of menopause and from the consequences of metabolic disorders characteristic of this period.

Folic acid for women's health is necessary at any age. This water-soluble vitamin (B9) is found in parsley, carrots, legumes, bread, and many other foods, but is often deficient due to a lack of this vitamin in the diet.

Why do women need folic acid

What are the benefits of folic acid for women? Vitamin helps support such processes:

• a healthy nervous system, the ability to deal with stress, external pathogens, an aggressive social environment;
• improving the protective immune functions of the body to fight viruses, infections, inflammation;
• bearing healthy offspring (for more details, you can read in a separate article);
• improving blood circulation, reducing the chances of developing thrombosis, diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• preventing the development of anemia;
• strengthening hair, reducing the rate of baldness;
• getting rid of skin pigmentation, preserving youth, slowing down the formation of wrinkles;
• reducing the likelihood of early miscarriage during pregnancy;
• memory improvement;
• ensuring the full functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Vitamin B9 allows you to produce red blood cells in sufficient volume. Thanks to folic acid, oxygen is transported through the organs in sufficient quantities. As a result - no fatigue, irritability, dizziness, good mood.

Why else do women need folic acid at any age? Folic acid for women's beauty allows you to accelerate the growth of hair and nails, renew the skin, improving its ability to fight the negative effects of sunlight that affect early aging.

Folic acid for women over 40

To ensure stress-free hormonal changes for the body, to reduce the symptoms of menopause, women after 40 years of age definitely need folic acid.

Women in their 40s experience hormonal changes that affect the condition of the skin and hair. B9 allows you to control these processes, preventing significant changes in the structure of the skin, thereby stopping the process of wrinkle formation. Folic acid for women over 40 can also slow down the onset of menopause.

Folic acid - why do women need after 45? First of all, to ease the symptoms of the onset of menopause in the future: hot flashes, mood swings, pressure surges, and so on. It is during this age period that the body begins a gradual restructuring, and the course of symptoms depends on the preparation.

Also, folic acid is also necessary for women after 50. To continue the active struggle with the symptoms of menopause and the most painless hormonal changes. Women 50 years and older are recommended B9 to maintain a normal level of stomach acidity, to fight toxins, bacteria. Folic acid allows protein to be digested normally, but a lack of B9 at this age causes poor absorption of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

Folic Beauty for Women's Health

Folic acid, reviews of doctors about which are extremely positive, is recommended for all women. Folic acid is especially necessary in the body of a woman in carrying a child, in order to exclude the likelihood of genetic diseases, embryonic abnormalities during pregnancy.

Doctors say that even if at the moment a woman is not planning a pregnancy, she needs to maintain the daily norm, and every day. According to experts, in most natural, during heat treatment, it is almost completely destroyed. Therefore, if a woman likes cooked meals, and not raw vegetables, it is recommended to buy vitamin complexes containing B9, or folic acid separately.

Folic acid for beauty

Folic acid in the female body helps maintain the beauty and youthfulness of the skin. B9 prevents early baldness, allows you to slow down the process of hair loss. It is recommended to use folic acid only inside. You can read more about that on our portal.

For the skin, B9 is important in order to get rid of age spots. With a stable intake of the vitamin, it is possible to increase the skin's resistance to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, which directly reduces the chances of developing skin cancer.

Folic acid in tablets for women allows you to strengthen nails, slightly accelerate their growth. Thanks to B9, the nail plate becomes stronger due to the activation of regenerating processes that allow more scales that make up the nail to layer.

Daily requirement for folic acid in women

For women, it depends on the age, the phase of the cycle, the characteristics of the course of pregnancy.

Folic acid for women, the dosage of which is 300-400 mcg for girls and women of different ages, pregnant women need up to 900 mcg per day. Folic acid for women after 40, 45, 50 years is recommended in dosages of 300-350 mcg per day.

Method of administration: regardless of the meal, a dragee / tablet / capsule is taken, depending on the form of release. It is recommended to take half an hour after a meal or 2 hours before taking it for the fastest absorption.

What is the danger of a lack of folic acid in the body for women

Folic acid is necessary for women strictly in accordance with the dosage. Lack of sufficient amounts of B9 can cause premature skin aging, baldness, anemia, weakness, depression, an increased chance of miscarriage, problems in the development of the embryo and subsequent child. Without a sufficient level of consumption of B9, the full operation of most systems is impossible - the nervous, endocrine, gastrointestinal tract.

Video presentation

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

Folic acid is very important for the human body

Release form, composition and price

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

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

Vitamin B9 tablets

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

Pharmacological action of folic acid

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

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

Useful properties and indications

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

Indications for use:

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

Vitamin B9 is essential during pregnancy

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

Benefits for women

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

Effect on the female body:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why is it necessary to take the drug after 40 years

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

The benefits of vitamin B9 in menopause:

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

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

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

Why do men need folic acid?

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

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

Folic acid is necessary for men to maintain potency

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

What is useful for children

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

Benefits for children:

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

Vitamin B9 is important for a child's brain activity

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

Instructions for use of folic acid

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to take the drug for various pathologies

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

Daily Intake of Vitamin B9 for Children

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

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

• up to 6 months - 25 mcg;
• 6-12 months - 35 mcg;
• 1-3 years - 50 mcg;
• 3-6 years - 75 mcg;
• 7-10 years -100 mcg;
• 11-14 years - 150 mcg.

For children over 15 years of age, the daily dosage is 200 mcg. Vitamin intake must first be agreed with the doctor.

You can take folic acid almost from birth

Contraindications

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

When should you not take folic acid?

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

Do not take folic acid in the presence of malignant neoplasms

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

The harm of folic acid

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

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

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

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

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