There are several reasons why you need folic acid women. Vitamin is important for the functioning of the nervous system, the condition of the skin, hair and nails. Folic acid is also essential for correct formation organs of the unborn child during pregnancy.

Vitamin characteristics

Folic acid belongs to the B vitamins. Its second name is vitamin B9. daily requirement healthy body in this trace element - 0.2-0.4 mg. The active metabolite of folic acid is tetrahydrofolate. It is involved in metabolic reactions, hematopoiesis, the formation of sex hormones. In the embryo, folic acid is responsible for the formation of the nervous system.

Why do women need folic acid - for healthy nerves and a successful pregnancy

What is useful acid for a woman

Vitamin is involved in ensuring the normal functioning internal organs. Without it, the formation of red blood cells is disrupted - anemia develops. Folic acid stimulates the formation of lymphocytes. These are the main cells of the human immune system. Vitamin provides protection against viruses, bacteria and fungi.

An important property of folic acid for women is to improve the functioning of the nervous system. Increases resistance to stress factors, normalizes the emotional background. There is a production of serotonin, which improves mood and reduces the risk of developing depression.

Participation in the functioning of the cardiovascular system is the normalization of cholesterol metabolism. Folic acid prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, reduces the likelihood of developing a heart attack and stroke. Vitamin Provides Consistency normal microflora intestines. This improves digestion and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Folic acid ensures normal growth and division of cells, being a preventative measure. oncological diseases and genetic disorders.

An important property of vitamin B9 for women is to improve the condition of the skin, hair and nails. It regulates the function of the sebaceous glands, preventing the formation of acne. By participating in the formation of keratin, folic acid makes the nail plate strong and prevents hair loss. Vitamin B9 is especially important for maintaining youth and health in women after 40 years.

Folates are part of the sex hormones. They provide regularity menstrual cycle, improve reproductive properties. Without folic acid, the maturation of the egg and its release from the ovary is impossible.

Reasons for deficiency

Folic acid deficiency occurs when it is not taken in enough from the outside, increased consumption, insufficient absorption. The reasons for this are the following conditions:

• strict diets;
• pregnancy;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• alcohol abuse;
• oncological diseases.

In all these conditions, the body requires an increased amount of vitamin B9.

The body lacks folic acid in case of its insufficient intake with food or in violation of absorption

Manifestations of folic deficiency

The lack of folic acid first affects the condition of the skin and nervous system. A woman becomes irritable, reacts more sharply to stress factors. The quality of sleep suffers, which leads to increased fatigue, frequent headaches, and decreased ability to work.

Chronic stress causes depression. The skin becomes dry and dull, wrinkles, age spots appear. Hair also grows dull, begins to fall out quickly. Nails peel and break.

With a prolonged deficiency of folic acid, dysbacteriosis occurs due to a change in the composition of the intestinal microflora.

This is manifested by a violation of the digestion of food, nausea, stool disorder. Nutrients and vitamins are no longer absorbed, which also affects the appearance of a woman.

Due to a violation of cell metabolism, the risk of developing malignant tumors increases. The process of formation of sex hormones is disturbed. Because of this, there are failures of the menstrual cycle, develop gynecological diseases. The probability of getting pregnant is reduced up to secondary infertility.

Deficiency Diagnostics

The diagnosis of folic deficiency cannot be made on the basis of subjective complaints and external manifestations. A woman should undergo a comprehensive examination, which includes:

• general and biochemical blood tests;
• determining the level of hormones;
• coprogram;
• feces for dysbiosis.

Confirm folate deficiency blood test for vitamin content helps.

Replenishment rules

A person receives folic acid from food. Vitamin B9 is found in:

• meat by-products;
• beef;
• green vegetables and fruits;
• sea ​​fish;
• nuts and seeds;
• greens;
• buckwheat;
• rye bread.

If a woman eats properly, is not fond of strict diets, she will receive a sufficient amount of folic acid. Under such conditions, vitamin deficiency does not develop if there are no conditions that violate its absorption. It is enough to take a monthly course of multivitamins once a year to ensure the normal content of folates.

During heat treatment, vitamin B9 is destroyed. Therefore, whenever possible, vegetables, fruits and herbs should be eaten raw.

Vitamin B9 is absorbed only in the presence of a healthy intestinal microflora. If a person has dysbiosis, folate will not be absorbed from either food or drugs. Therefore, it is recommended to take it together with probiotics.

Folic acid is found in medicines and dietary supplements. The former are recommended to be taken for serious illnesses, and dietary supplements - for nutritional or age-related deficiency. You can take a pure folic acid preparation only as prescribed by a doctor, if vitamin deficiency is confirmed by tests.

An additional source of folate is needed for teenage girls, pregnant women, and women over 40. They are recommended to use multivitamins with high content folic acid or pure preparations with a dose of 0.2 mg. In the presence of diseases that impair the absorption of folate, the dosage is determined individually. Usually it is 0.3-0.4 mg, that is, the average daily dose.

If a woman eats properly, the use of drugs with folic acid is not required.

Features in pregnant women

Folic acid is especially important for pregnant women and those who are just planning a pregnancy. It is recommended to take the drug for three months before conception. Vitamin B9 reduces the risk of developing genetic disorders at the time of fertilization, improves ovarian function and increases the likelihood of conception. When planning pregnancy, the recommended dose of the vitamin is 0.8 mg per day.

When a woman becomes pregnant, vitamin B9 is needed for the proper laying and formation of the fetal nervous system. This happens in the first trimester of pregnancy. Also, folic acid early dates prevents miscarriages, fading of pregnancy, malformations.

Folate is important for the proper formation of the placenta.

The norm of folic acid during pregnancy is 0.4 mg per day. It must be taken throughout the first trimester. If a woman has already had children with neurological disorders, it is recommended to take the drug throughout the pregnancy.

Folic acid (lat. Acidumfolicum), which has the trade name "Folacin", is a biologically inactive, water-soluble vitamin from group B (namely B9). It was discovered in 1930. The drug was originally named after the scientist who discovered it - "Wils Factor". Later, B9 was isolated from spinach leaves and named folic acid (in Latin folium - leaf, leaf).

Pharmacological properties

Folacin for medical purposes is produced artificially and sold in the form of tablets, dragees or capsules. Vitamin B9 is poorly absorbed in the human body, it is synthesized only in a very small amount in the large intestine. When consumed, folates are converted by cells into a biologically active form called tetrahydrofolate. It is thanks to him that the body produces the amino acids that a person needs.

Information about vitamin B9

Folates are found in fresh vegetables and fruits. People who prefer fresh herbs in their diet never complain about the lack of vitamin B9.

This vitamin contains plants such as:

Rich in vitamin B9 and fruits:

• citrus;
• bananas;
• apricots.

There are fewer folates in dairy or animal products, but in order for the body to receive them in sufficient quantities, it is worth consuming:

• liver;
• eggs (yolk);
• meat;
• fish;
• cottage cheese.

Vitamin B9 contains:

• beans;
• nuts;
• yeast;
• cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal);
• millet;
• wholemeal flour.

naturally occurring folate poorly absorbed by the body. That is why people who need them should take it in the form of medicines. Especially such vitamin medicines are shown:

• women planning a pregnancy;
• in the first trimester of pregnancy;
• people suffering from epilepsy;
• patients with diabetes;
• patients with bowel disease.

Indications for the use of folic acid

According to the instructions, B9 is prescribed for men and women suffering from iron deficiency anemia, as well as:

Children are prescribed vitamin B9 in the following cases:

• its deficiency in the child's body;
• in the treatment of anemia.

Folic acid intake by pregnant women

The benefits of vitamin B9 have been known for a long time, but only for the last ten years, doctors have prescribed folate for preventive purposes for pregnant women:

Sometimes, to enhance the effect of B9, they are prescribed together with other vitamins: B12, ascorbic acid. Such multicomponent preparations are more profitable to buy than several vitamins separately.

Folic acid contraindications

B9 preparations are not prescribed to patients:

• with increased sensitivity to the components;
• with oncology;
• in case of malabsorption of B vitamins;
• with a deficiency of cobalamin (vitamin B12);
• with hemosiderosis (impaired metabolism of iron-containing components).

In some cases, the following side effects folic acid:

• vomit;
• nausea;
• bitterness in the mouth;
• bloating;
• allergic reaction in the form of rash and itching.

The use of vitamin B9

Folates are poorly absorbed from foods prepared in their pure form. For example, to provide the body with a daily dose of vitamin B9, it is necessary to consume about 20 stalks of fresh asparagus. In artificial form, this vitamin is absorbed better, and it is quite inexpensive. You can take the drug long time- an overdose is unlikely, the component does not accumulate in the cells and is well excreted from the body.

Dosage of the drug

Vitamins B9 render g homeopathic effect on the human body and are available in the following dosage form:

• in the form of a powder - a dose of 1 mg;
• in drops - a bottle with a dosage of 30 ml;
• tablets - 25, 30, 60, 50 or 90 pcs. in a blaster, dosage of 1-2 mg;
• in the form of a dragee of 1 mg, used to prevent vitamin B9 deficiency in children;
• in injections - 1 ampoule contains 400 mcg of the active substance.

Indications for taking vitamin B9 and its daily doses prescribed for prophylactic purposes:

In the treatment of certain conditions caused by a lack of vitamins B9, it is necessary to adhere to strict doctor's prescriptions:

• with atherosclerosis in elderly patients;
• with celiac disease (digestion disorder);
• with gum disease, gingivitis, bad breath;
• with ulcerative lesions of the epidermis (folates are prescribed in combination with phenolic acid);
• during depression.

Preparations with folates and analogues with their content are indicated for use by all age categories. Here are some more recommendations for their use:

What is folic acid?

Folic acid is a B vitamin (B9) that promotes protein metabolism and is essential for the formation of red blood cells. This is a substance that affects the fundamental processes in the body.

The role of vitamin B9

What is folic acid for? It affects the generation of red blood cells. It is thanks to her that the synthesis of protein in hemoglobin is carried out. Maintaining optimal levels of vitamin B9 in the body provides good performance blood and normalizes fat and carbon metabolism. Folic acid is able to influence the production of the hormone of happiness - serotonin, with its deficiency, depression may occur. Vitamin renders positive influence on the development of the child's body. For example, it promotes the synthesis of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and the regulation of the formation and growth of new cells. Vitamin B9 plays an important role in strengthening the walls of blood vessels, regulating heart function, restoring and maintaining the normal functioning of the immune system, etc. It is important to remember that acid is destroyed under the action of high temperatures and light. Therefore, it is recommended to consume fruits and vegetables with its content in its raw form.

Functions of Vitamin B9

Due to its many beneficial properties, folic acid performs several functions in the human body, which, in varying degrees affect health:

• vitamin is one of the main useful substances, which are necessary to maintain the integrity of the DNA molecule;
• foods containing B9 help prevent the development of tumors and provide cancer prevention;
• vitamin is involved in the production of serotonin, which is responsible for good mood and tranquility.

Benefits of folic acid

Folic acid, or vitamin B9, is primarily responsible for the human nervous system and its brain activity.

Vitamin B9 is actively involved in raising the mood, normalizes the nervous background of the body, promotes healthy sound sleep, helps to cope with problems and stress more easily and successfully.

Due to its properties folic acid has a beneficial effect on the female body at any age: excellent prevention aging, good mood and healthy appearance. It is this vitamin that is involved in cell renewal, helps the growth of healthy hair, nails and improves skin condition. It's no surprise that this vitamin is often referred to as the "female" vitamin. In the course of numerous studies, scientists have found that the use of folic acid can reduce the risk of occurrence and development of ovarian and breast cancer. Folic acid stores deplete quickly, even though your usual diet is rich in vitamins and varied. The daily need for folic acid is individual for each person, it depends on the general condition of the body, gender and age. According to recent studies, the average person consumes 150 mcg of the vitamin daily. The amount of B9 received from food is rarely sufficient. The optimal intake is 200 to 300 micrograms of folic acid per day.

Why is vitamin deficiency dangerous?

Causes of deficiency

Symptoms of B9 deficiency can be observed from birth. This can be caused, for example, by a genetic failure or disturbances in the development of the fetus. But this happens quite rarely. Vitamin deficiency in the body is usually provoked by the following factors:

• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• lack of greens in the diet;
• frequent use of alcoholic beverages;
• lactation and pregnancy;
• pathology circulatory system;
• the use of only fried or boiled foods, semi-finished products;
• taking certain medicines.

Symptoms

A person does not immediately feel a deficiency of B9 in the body. The first symptoms appear after about 2-4 weeks. Usually there is a decrease in working capacity, apathy occurs, and frequent headaches appear. In addition, a lack of folic acid may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• pallor of the skin, muscle weakness due to impaired hemoglobin production;
• hair loss, deterioration of the skin condition, the appearance of acne or acne;
• deterioration in appetite and impaired absorption of proteins due to a decrease in the acidity of the stomach, as a result of which abdominal pain, nausea and gastrointestinal disorders may occur;
• there may be sleep disturbance, apathy, depression due to low levels of serotonin.

Effects

In the event of a lack of B9 in the body, various pathological processes may begin to develop. Most often, anemia occurs, which leads to disruption of the work of many organs due to a deterioration in the enrichment of tissues with oxygen. This condition is accompanied by various neurological pathologies. The risk of developing a stroke or heart attack increases.

Too much folic acid

The reasons

Despite the fact that vitamin B9 is very useful, if it is used incorrectly, it can lead to an overdose. Such cases are rare. But if there is an excess of folic acid, then it is usually generated by the following reasons:

• a change in the treatment regimen prescribed by the doctor, and an independent increase in the dose of the drug;
• simultaneous use of vitamin complexes containing folic acid;
• spontaneous drug intake.

Symptoms

In the case of prolonged use of large doses of B9, the following symptoms appear:

• indigestion;
• bitterness or metallic taste in the mouth;
• a rash appears on the skin;
• possible problems with the functioning of the kidneys due to the increased load on them;
• increased excitability of the nervous system;
• Too much folic acid in the body can lead to vitamin B12 and zinc deficiencies.

Effects

Intoxication of the body with folic acid can be dangerous in some cases for people suffering from heart or vascular diseases, since an overdose of the vitamin can provoke a heart attack or an angina attack. During pregnancy, excessive consumption of folic acid can worsen the condition of a woman and lead to a violation of intrauterine development of the fetus.

Daily intake B9

It should be remembered that folic acid does not linger in the body and is quickly excreted. To a greater extent, it should be used in adolescence and childhood because it influences growth and development. Additional saturation of the body with a vitamin is important during pregnancy and lactation, as it helps to maintain the normal development of the fetus and baby. It should be noted that the need for a vitamin increases in a number of diseases: problems with the gastrointestinal tract, skin, cancerous tumors, etc. The daily dose for an adult is about 400 micrograms of the vitamin. In childhood, folic acid is needed in a smaller amount: up to 1 year, the norm is up to 80 mcg, up to 3 years - 150 mcg, then - 200 mcg. It should be noted that in the event of a lack of a vitamin, the need for its use may increase to 600 mcg. In such situations, to determine daily allowance you should consult a doctor so that he chooses the correct regimen for taking B9.

Power supplies

Vitamin deficiency in the body is accompanied by nervous, mental, emotional disorders, hair loss, dryness and irritation of the skin, the appearance of stretch marks, iron deficiency anemia, disruptions in work digestive system and liver. With a deficiency of folic acid, it constantly tends to sleep, in the evening the state is depressed, scattered, frequent lack of sleep affects both our mood and appearance. Bags appear under the eyes, skin color fades, hair becomes thin and lifeless. In order to avoid such problems, you should include foods rich in folic acid in your usual diet:

• offal of poultry (turkey, duck, chicken, goose). The content in 100 g is about 345-700 micrograms of vitamin. These products are very nutritious and contain a fairly large amount of B9;
• veal or lamb liver. The content in 100 g is about 330–400 μg of acid. The liver is rich in iron, B9 and many other necessary and useful elements;
• boiled beans. The content in 100 g is about 230-370 micrograms of vitamin. This product has little fat, a fairly high amount of protein and folic acid;
• pork liver . The content in 100 g is about 160–260 μg of acid. It does not have a lot of B9 compared to other products, but it has a delicate taste;
• spinach. The content in boiled form in 125 ml is about 140 micrograms of vitamin. The product includes important useful minerals and a lot of fiber;
• asparagus. The content in boiled form in 125 ml is about 130 μg of acid. The product is low in calories and is a rich source of iron, many other essential minerals and beneficial vitamins;
• linseed oil. The content in 60 ml is about 110 micrograms of vitamin. Flax seeds are loaded with omega-3s and other important beneficial chemicals;
• whole wheat products. The content in 125 ml of boiled pasta is about 125 micrograms of acid. These foods are excellent sources of healthy dietary fiber;
• soya beans. The content in boiled form in 125 ml is about 80–105 μg of the vitamin. The product is rich in fiber, protein and phytoestrogens;
• broccoli. The content in boiled form in 125 ml is about 90 μg of acid. In addition to B9, the product contains antioxidants, ascorbic acid, vitamin K.

And to provide the body with up to 100% of the daily intake of all the minerals necessary to maintain vital activity, including folic acid, the multivitamin Formula 2 complex from Herbalife will help in 1 dose. This is a dietary supplement that is designed to meet all the needs of the human body. It works best when combined with a Formula 1 protein shake to keep your internal organs functioning properly. This is a great solution for those who want to get rid of excess weight, but is afraid of beriberi. Dietary supplements will help keep the body in good shape, strengthen muscle and bone tissue, improve the condition of hair and skin. The main thing is to keep proper nutrition and give up junk food. Except great content folic acid, "Formula 2" also includes vitamins B, A, C, E, D and K, calcium, magnesium, chromium, zinc, iron, iodine, copper, selenium and other necessary substances. Only two tablets - and the daily dose useful elements received!

August 10, 2016, 17:47 2016-08-10

Folic acid - a water-soluble vitamin of group B - takes part in the synthesis of immune blood cells, activates metabolism, and contributes to the normalization of the function of the digestive tract.

Vitamin B9 is involved in the synthesis of DNA and RNA molecules, in which genetic information is stored. Its presence in the body is also necessary for protein biosynthesis.

With an insufficient level of vitamin B9, the likelihood of malformations in the fetus increases significantly.

Folic acid is also essential for the female reproductive system. It is especially important for pregnant women, as it is involved in the formation of the nervous system of the fetus. In addition, it is necessary for the normal formation and functioning of the placenta.

With the participation of folic acid, cell division occurs, in addition, the following benefits for the body are noted:

• positive impact on brain function;
• normalization of homocysteine ​​levels;
• improvement appearance hair, nails;
• improved skin regeneration;
• production of a sufficient amount of methionine, norepinephrine, glycine, serotonin, thereby reducing the likelihood of developing anemia and depression.

As a rule, folic acid is prescribed for additional intake when planning pregnancy and during gestation. For an adult, a deficiency of this important element can be avoided with a daily intake of 200 mg of the drug. For pregnant and lactating women, the dose should be increased to 400-600 mcg.

Folic acid is usually combined with vitamin B12.

Signs of a folic acid deficiency

Signs of vitamin B9 deficiency can be symptoms that are often attributed to other diseases:

• depression, irritability;
• memory impairment;
• headache;
• general weakness and poor appetite;
• discomfort and impaired sensation in the limbs;
• inflammation of the mucous membrane of the tongue, accompanied by pain and the formation of ulcers in the oral cavity;
• diarrhea;
• breathing difficulties;
• delayed puberty in girls;
• early manifestation of gray hair and menopause;
• megaloblastic anemia.

Megaloblastic anemia due to folic acid deficiency

Folate deficiency megaloblastic anemia most often develops in women during menopause. However, this problem is not excluded at any other age. The development of the disease, first of all, is indicated by a large number of megaloblasts in the bone marrow and the presence of the following symptoms:

• fast fatiguability;
• headache;
• distraction of attention;
• dyspnea;
• increased heartbeat;
• bright red tongue.

Even in the absence of these signs, women after 50 years of age will also benefit from additional intake of vitamin B9.

Indications for taking folic acid

Indications for taking vitamin B9 when planning pregnancy and conception

Folic acid is required by the body at all periods of life, but during the planning and conception of a child, it is most important for the formation and development of a healthy fetus. Supplementation with folic acid in various preparations allows you to maintain normal level homocysteine ​​- amino acid, especially important during pregnancy.

This increases the likelihood of pregnancy and successful childbearing.

If one of the spouses is deficient in vitamin B9, pregnancy is unlikely.

It is important to remember that folic acid is needed at the earliest stages. embryonic development. In the first weeks after conception, the embryo actively grows and all important systems and organs are laid down. Folic acid is necessary for the embryo to form new tissues. Already in the second week, the fetus begins to form nervous system. Lack of vitamin B9 at this point can lead to malformations and abnormalities in the development of the fetus and significantly increase the risk of a delay in the development of the child in the future.

That is why gynecologists recommend drinking folic acid even at the stage of pregnancy planning, without waiting for a delay in menstruation. So by the time of ovulation, the body of the expectant mother will not lack vitamin B9 and will be able to ensure the normal development of the embryo at the earliest stages of gestation.

With a deficiency of folic acid for the fetus, the following negative consequences are possible:

• slowing down the process of fetal development;
• spontaneous abortion;
• placental abruption;
• premature birth;
• preeclampsia;
• heart defects;
• palate defects and splitting of the upper lip;
• anomaly of the urinary tract;
• underweight newborn.

Folic acid also plays an important role in the body. future mother, which during the period of bearing a child works in an enhanced mode. The functioning of the hematopoietic system, the growth and development of the placenta, the strengthening of the vascular network in the uterus - all this will not be provided properly without required amount folic acid.

Due to problems with the development of the placenta or inferiority of the vessels of the uterus, spontaneous abortion is possible. Therefore, doctors recommend starting folic acid intake during pregnancy planning, even before conception, for both future parents. If the pregnancy was detected in fact, the drug should be started immediately and not stopped during the entire period of bearing the child. Since vitamin B9 is water-soluble, it is impossible to overdo it in the body.

The intake of vitamin B9 is necessary not only for the fetus and ensuring the processes of its development and formation.

Can You Do Without Folic Acid During Pregnancy?

According to statistics, most pregnancies are unplanned. A very small percentage of couples undergo a full examination before planning a child. Often a woman learns about pregnancy at the 2nd month of fetal development. And folic acid should be enough in the body already in the first days of conception.

If the couple of future parents are generally healthy, then the level of vitamin B9 may be sufficient and such an omission will not create problems for either the fetus or the expectant mother.

However, one should not hope for luck in such an important case, so folic acid is recommended by doctors at least three months before pregnancy. In some countries, folate preparations are used by all women of childbearing function.

Indications for taking folic acid for men

Folic acid is useful not only for the developing fetus and the female body, but also for men. Sperm quality depends to a large extent on adequate levels of vitamin B9. Therefore, when planning a pregnancy until the moment of conception, it is necessary to take folic acid preparations not only for women, but also for men.

In the male body, vitamin B9 performs the following functions:

• reduces the number of chromosomal defects in spermatozoa and reduces the risk of congenital pathology in a child;
• increases the activity and viability of spermatozoa, which increases the chances of successful conception;
• activates the immune system and improves the overall tone of the body.

Folic acid intake by both partners increases the chances of successful pregnancy and birth healthy child and significantly reduces the risk of complications of gestation.

Indications for taking vitamin B9 in adulthood

Given the peculiarity of a mature organism, after 50 years, a sufficient level of folic acid should be maintained in the body. The fact is that folic acid has an estrogen-like effect, which improves well-being during menopause. Reduces the severity of negative symptoms:

• sweating and sensation of heat decrease;
• increased heart rate is eliminated;
• the frequency of hot flashes and their severity decreases;
• sleep is normalized;
• the state of the psyche improves;
• normalizes blood pressure.

Vitamin B9 not only generally has a positive effect on the body in menopause, but also protects against diseases associated with the destruction of the retina and deterioration of visual acuity.

Eat more foods containing folic acid.

The use of folic acid

Since folic acid is an important element for the normal course of pregnancy, it is advisable to conduct an examination for vitamin B9 deficiency in the body before planning conception. If a significant deficiency of folic acid is detected as a result, they are prescribed medications containing folacin.

If there are no acute problems with a lack of this element, the doctor may recommend taking vitamin complexes and enhanced nutrition with foods rich in vitamin B9.

Most folic acid is found in the following foods:

• liver and other offal;
• yeast;
• sunflower seeds;
• vegetables and leafy greens - lettuce, turnips, spinach, asparagus;
• legumes - lentils, peas;
• egg yolk;
• semi-finished products made with the addition of folic acid.

The liver is one of the most valuable sources of vitamin B9, this product also contains many useful components and nutrients for the body.

Dosage of folic acid preparations

The daily dose of folic acid in the usual case is 400 mg per day for an adult. But during the planning period of pregnancy, doctors recommend higher dosages.

Men are prescribed a drug containing 700-1100 mg of vitamin B9. It should be taken once a day for 3 months before conception. Women are shown taking 600-800 mg of folic acid per day.

What are vitamins with folic acid

Special multivitamins for pregnant women contain a loading dose of folina, so you can’t take such drugs on your own without a doctor’s recommendation.

For prevention possible problems Doctors prescribe special preparations containing vitamin B9 to the expectant mother:

1. "Folic acid" - one tablet contains 1000 micrograms of vitamin B9.
2. "Foliber" with vitamin B12. Each tablet contains 400 micrograms of folic acid.
3. "Folic acid" with B6 and B12. Folic acid in one tablet - 600 mcg, vitamin B12 - 5 mcg, vitamin B6 - 6 mg. This drug is a dietary supplement.
4. Complex vitamin preparations with folic acid in the composition: "Multi-tabs perinatal" (400 mcg), "Pregnavit" (750 mcg), "Elevit" (1000 mcg), "Vitrum Prenatal" (800 mcg), "Materna" (1000 mcg).

"Folio" with iodine contains B9 in the amount of 400 mcg and iodine - 200 mcg.

Features of the reception and assimilation of folic acid

Vitamin B9 deficiency is often accompanied by a number of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - celiac disease, gastritis, malabsorption, since this element is poorly absorbed in that case. A lack of folic acid for the same reason can also be observed when using certain drugs:

• glucocorticosteroids,
• aspirin,
• antacids,
• nitrofurans,
• contraceptive drugs.

The following diseases require special attention doctor when prescribing folic acid preparations:

• disorders in the work of the kidneys;
• anemia;
• overweight with a BMI of 30 or more;
• history of spontaneous miscarriages of previous pregnancies;
• diabetes mellitus, both type 1 and type 2;
• taking drugs, one of the components of which is valproic acid;
• alcohol abuse.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of these aggravating circumstances. He will adjust the regimen of administration and dosage in accordance with the existing diseases.

Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin. A small amount of vitamin B9 is produced in the intestines, but it is important for women to regularly replenish their reserves through the use of nutritional supplements and the use of certain foods. If within 3-6 months the important vitamin B9 does not enter the body, its reserves are depleted. What is the use of folic acid and why women need it, we will analyze in detail in the instructions for use, which are presented in understandable language in this article.

Benefits of Vitamin B9

Folic acid is involved in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, molecules that store genetic information. Its presence is also necessary for protein biosynthesis. At the slightest failure in these processes, the work of the body is significantly disrupted.

Vitamin B9 is good for the reproductive system. The body of a pregnant woman needs folic acid the most. It is prescribed when planning pregnancy and during childbearing.

With the participation of vitamin B9, cell division occurs, in addition, there are such benefits for the female body:

• positive effect on brain activity;
• protection against anemia and depression;
• normalization of homocysteine ​​levels;
• reducing the likelihood of developing cancer in the mammary glands, pancreas, large intestine;
• skin regeneration;
• improving the condition of the hair;
• production of a sufficient amount of glycine, serotonin, methionine, norepinephrine.

Poor appetite, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the tongue, delayed puberty in girls, early appearance of gray hair and menopause - all these problems can be both signs of various diseases and a consequence of a lack of vitamin B9 in the body.

Folic acid intake is combined with vitamin B12 intake. Folacin deficiency can be avoided with a daily intake of at least 200 mg of the drug. During pregnancy and lactation, the dose of the drug is increased to 400-600 mcg.

Megaloblastic anemia due to folic acid deficiency

If there is not enough folic acid in the body, there is a risk of developing megaloblastic anemia. Women who have gone through menopause are most susceptible to the disease. However, this problem can be encountered at any age.

The development of the disease is indicated by the presence a large number megaloblasts in the bone marrow and the appearance of such symptoms:

• headache;
• fast fatiguability;
• dyspnea;
• increased heartbeat;
• distraction of attention;
• bright red color of the tongue.

Why do women need folic acid after 50 years: a feature of a mature organism

Why after 50 years it is necessary to maintain a sufficient level of vitamin B9 in the body?

Folic acid improves well-being during menopause. Having an estrogen-like effect, it reduces the severity of unpleasant symptoms. How else is this vitamin useful after 50 years?

Additional intake of folic acid is reflected in the state of the body as follows:

• prevents the occurrence of hot flashes or reduces their severity;
• normalizes sleep;
• improves the state of the psyche;
• reduces sweating;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• relieves the sensation of heat;
• eliminates the increased heartbeat.

Folic acid not only has a positive effect on the body during menopause, but also protects against diseases such as macular degeneration. The disease is manifested by the destruction of the retina, which leads to a deterioration in visual acuity.

Folic acid absorption

A lack of vitamin B9 may be accompanied by some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - gastritis, celiac disease, malabsorption. Vitamin is poorly absorbed when using glucocorticosteroids, nitrofurans, antacids, contraceptives.

Folic acid when planning pregnancy: dosage and indications

Change in homocysteine ​​levels under the influence of vitamin B9

Vitamin B9 is needed by a woman's body in all periods of life, but is most important for the birth of a healthy child. The intake of folic acid from additional sources allows you to maintain a normal level of homocysteine, increases the likelihood of pregnancy, successful gestation. In cases where one of the spouses has a lack of vitamin B9, pregnancy is unlikely. Therefore, it is so important to drink folic acid when planning a pregnancy.