Why do women need folic acid and how to take it. Why folic acid is good for women Why do women drink folic acid?

This article discusses the features of vitamin B9, the pros and cons of taking it, dosage, properties, and recommendations for use.

Why folic acid necessary for everyone. Consequences of folate deficiency for the body.

Folic acid (folacin) is a synthetic substance that is soluble in water and can affect metabolic processes in the human body. All folate compounds are grouped into a group of vitamins called B9.

In a healthy person, more than 50 percent of folacin reserves are concentrated in the liver. If these substances do not penetrate into the bloodstream with food or drugs, the consequences will appear after 3 months. Vitamin reserves will be depleted and unpleasant symptoms will appear.

Shortage

One of the main signs of folic acid deficiency is the possibility of megaloblastic anemia.

In this case, the structure of the blood gradually changes due to the filling of the bone marrow with an accumulation of elements that interfere with the normal process of red blood cell formation.

Oxygen metabolism suffers. Appear characteristic symptoms development of vitamin B9 deficiency:

• fatigue;
• impaired concentration;
• migraine;
• rapid heartbeat;
• difficulty breathing;
• crimson color of the tongue.

Benefit

Clinical studies have established that vitamin B9 deficiency leads to infertility in both women and men.

IMPORTANT! If one of the spouses has a lack of folic acid, the absence of problems with conception is unlikely.

The ability of vitamin B9 to take an active part in stimulating reproductive mechanisms in cells entails its mandatory additional intake in pharmaceutical form from the first weeks of pregnancy.

If a blood test reveals that the level of homocysteine ​​in the body has increased, this is due to a deficiency of folic acid.

This phenomenon provokes blockage of blood vessels with atherosclerotic plaques and causes the formation of blood clots. It is fraught not only with reproductive dysfunction, but also with the risk of atherosclerosis and serious mental illness.

INTERESTING. Folates have the ability to quickly break down in light and at elevated temperatures. Therefore, foods rich in vitamin B9 should be consumed raw if possible.

Why is it useful?

This vitamin of youth is often associated with a person’s overall emotional state.

It turned out that people prone to depression are deficient in vitamin B9 in 90% of cases.

Scientists, based on a number of studies, have found that timely consumption of folic acid can cope with the occurrence of malignant tumors in the intestines, cysts and fibroids in women.

INTERESTING. We get a significant amount of folic acid from eating greens and vegetables. A properly selected diet can easily correct a deficiency of B vitamins.

What does the body need?

Vitamin B9 is designed to produce blood cells in sufficient volume for the normal process of hematopoiesis. With the participation of folic acid, oxygen delivery to organs and tissues occurs in the required quantity.

As a result, we achieve the absence of rapid fatigue, cheerfulness, and a positive mood. Folic acid helps improve complexion, hair and nail growth, and renewal of epidermal cells.

The negative effects of sun rays contribute to skin aging. In this regard, cells saturated with vitamin B9 act as a filter that reflects ultraviolet radiation. Thus, there is a fight against early aging.

Particular benefit for women

In adulthood, doctors often prescribe folic acid to women.

This is done not out of concern for reproductive functions, but to help ladies cope with the unpleasant symptoms of menopause:

• prevent and mitigate hot flashes;
• normalize blood pressure;
• reduce sweating;
• calm your heart rate;
• eliminate insomnia;
• improve emotional mood.

After the age of 60, there is a risk of problems with visual acuity. Often, a lack of vitamin B9 is to blame.

Help for pregnant women

In the first weeks of pregnancy, when the baby's internal organs are forming, folic acid is especially necessary.

Benefits for men

The male body bears a huge responsibility for the production of offspring, because the set of chromosomes involved in the transmission of hereditary characteristics is concentrated in the germ cells.

Experimentally, scientists have confirmed the role of folic acid in the risk of having children with genetic pathologies.

The study involved healthy men without bad habits.

Draw your conclusions!

It is necessary to mention the important function of folates in tissue repair. It is impossible to gain muscle mass without their participation. Therefore, during sports activities, taking vitamin B9 is indicated.

Other benefits

The advantage of folic acid is its ability to stimulate the synthesis of the “hormone of joy” - serotonin.

With a fairly simple process of its inclusion in the metabolic cycle of cells, no special conditions are required for this process. And in the company of vitamin B12, work on regeneration is most effective.

It should also be noted the ability to stimulate the production of gastric juice, a positive effect on liver function, and the prevention of intestinal cancer. Research is underway on its significance in the fight against skin cancer.

Harm

Folate is believed to be effective in preventing Alzheimer's disease. Help prevent heart and vascular diseases.

At the same time, their increased concentrations in the body cause the development of cancer cells, disrupt metabolic processes and can provoke irreversible neurological damage.

Daily norm

The daily intake of folic acid can be different and depends on the age, activity of the person, the phase of the cycle in women, and the conditions of pregnancy.

Typically, folate is prescribed at a dosage of 300 mcg per day. The recommended daily dose for pregnant women increases to 900 mcg.

Do I need to take it regularly?

The body is able to obtain folic acid from food, but this is not always enough. To replenish reserves of this substance, synthetic drugs are often prescribed.

A good option for use is the pure form of vitamin B9. This one is the simplest and effective method replenishment of folate deficiency.

ATTENTION! Pay attention to the dosage: drugs prescribed for the treatment of acute forms of vitamin B9 deficiency cannot be taken “just in case”!

Danger of overdose

Cases of high blood folate levels are extremely rare. By its chemical nature, it is a water-soluble substance that can be quickly eliminated from the body naturally.

Problems may arise with severe illnesses internal organs: liver and kidneys.

Conclusion

The function of folic acid in the implementation of metabolic processes in the body is great. It stimulates the brain to work actively, promotes concentration, and also sharpens memory, improves lipid metabolism and normalizes hormone levels in the body.

In addition, folic acid is involved in chromosome synthesis. Of particular importance here is its use during pregnancy and preparation for it.

Why do we need folic acid, especially for women? The importance of taking folic acid during pregnancy is usually explained by the doctor at the first visit to the antenatal clinic. However, folic acid is beneficial for women at any age. This substance boosts immunity, improves the condition of skin and hair, and stops irreversible aging processes.

Why does a woman’s body need folic acid?

Folic acid is a vitamin that easily dissolves in water. It is involved in the development of the circulatory and immune systems. Derivatives of acid are di-, tri-, and polyglutamates, and together with acid they can be combined into the so-called group of substances - folates.

Based on its functions, you can easily determine how folic acid is beneficial for women. Folic acid derivatives are responsible for the functioning of the nervous system, increasing resistance to viruses and infections, and ensuring proper functioning. gastrointestinal tract.

IN human body contains 5 to 10 mg of folate. Most of them are concentrated in the liver, the rest in red blood cells, kidneys, bone marrow and other tissues. Normally it should be 4.5-30 nmol/l. This amount reflects the intake of vitamin B9 from food.

When is folic acid needed for women?

Pregnant women especially need acid. On early stages it helps the embryonic neural tube and other tissues to develop normally, prevents placental abruption, and reduces the risk of pathologies and miscarriages. However, the benefits and procedure for taking folic acid while expecting a child is a topic for a separate discussion. Why do women who have already successfully passed this stage in their lives need to take folic acid? Let's take a closer look

Disruptions in the monthly cycle

Taking folic acid for women has enormous benefits for menstrual irregularities and planning the monthly cycle. Folic acid, as evidenced by reviews from women, improves the emotional background, reduces irritability during “critical days,” and softens the feeling of hot flashes.

It has been proven that this drug has a beneficial effect on fertility and normalizes the body's response to estrogen, which is especially important when planning pregnancy.

The monthly dosage of folic acid for women should be increased at least three months before the expected pregnancy.

There is no need to be afraid that there will be an excess of folate: as already mentioned, vitamin B9 is water-soluble, just like vitamin C, and therefore does not accumulate in the body.

Folic acid during menopause

Folic acid for women over 50 (sometimes earlier) is prescribed to overcome the symptoms of menopause, including:

• Reduce hormonal surges
• Normalize blood pressure
• Reduce excessive sweating
• Eliminate sleep disorders
• Normalize emotions and improve a woman’s overall well-being

Nervous and cardiovascular system

However, that's not all beneficial properties folic acid for women. What else is folic acid good for for women? It is responsible for such functions of the nervous system and brain activity as resistance to stress, concentration, increased performance, prevention of migraines and headaches, improved memory, resistance to blood clots.

Folic acid in the body of both women and men is responsible for the formation of red blood cells and the transport of oxygen to all cells, preventing amenia, weakness, and loss of strength. Adequate amounts of folic acid are essential for disease prevention cardiovascular system is reduced to a minimum. It is especially important to get your daily folic acid intake for women over 40-45 years of age, when the “trigger trigger” of natural aging begins and you need to take more careful care of your own health.

Folic acid for beauty

A woman at any age wants to look well-groomed and attractive. The basis of an elegant image is the hairstyle, the condition of the facial skin, and beautiful hands.

Folic acid for women over 50 years of age helps maintain hair thickness and accelerate its growth, slows down the appearance of wrinkles and age spots on the skin (especially in exposed areas that are often exposed to ultraviolet irradiation). Taking vitamin B9 for women is indicated for brittle, peeling nails.

More good news: folic acid helps burn fat by causing the breakdown of lipids into fatty acids and light alcohols, which are easily removed from tissues by the excretory system. So the use of folic acid is recommended for women who want to get rid of extra pounds.

What happens when there is a lack of folic acid?

Now we know why women take folic acid. How to determine folic acid deficiency in women?

Normally, vitamin B9 enters the body with food. However, a lot depends on your diet. Thus, as a result of heat treatment of food, up to ninety percent of vitamin B9 is destroyed. And even the amount received is not always completely absorbed in the intestines.

In addition, there are periods when the need for folic acid in women is increased (pregnancy, planning to conceive, lactation, menopause, increased mental stress).

What symptoms indicate that the intake of folic acid in the female body is clearly insufficient? Here are the main ones:

• the woman feels quickly tired;
• observed bad dream;
• memory and attention decrease;
• performance decreases;
• hair falls out;
• there is a feeling of nervousness;
• There are strange rashes on the skin.

Daily dose of folic acid for women

Folic acid for the female body should normally be from 300-400 mcg per day. It is also necessary to look at the woman’s age:

• after 40-50 years - 300-350 mcg;
• during pregnancy - 800-900 mcg;
• V for preventive purposes 200 mcg is enough;
• during lactation - 500 mcg.

In all of these cases, folic acid tablets are prescribed for women.

How should women take folic acid?

For a young woman 30-35 years old who does not plan to give birth to a child in the near future, 150 mcg of folic acid per day is sufficient for prevention. The course of treatment lasts 60 days. During this time, folic acid will work to break down lipids, speed up metabolism, and help correct your figure, and at the same time improve the condition of your hair and nails.

When diagnosed iron deficiency anemia You need to take 3 mg of folic acid every day. As a preventative measure, it is advisable to reduce the prescribed dose to 1 mg. On average, a bite should last about 60 days, a prophylactic one - from 60 to 90 days.

To replenish folic acid levels, women over 45 years of age (or later, depending on when menopause began) should drink 3 mg of vitamin B9 per day. Sometimes a doctor may prescribe a dosage of 3.5 mg of folic acid during menopause so that hormonal changes occur without much stress.

According to the instructions, women should take folic acid after meals; it is advisable to divide the daily dosage of folic acid into three doses.

How to take folic acid during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Vitamin B9 must be taken by any woman from the moment of pregnancy. The course of prophylaxis should last about 12 weeks.

If a woman is breastfeeding, in this case she needs the same daily dose - 300-500 mcg. It is best to take the vitamin until the end breastfeeding. In case of planning pregnancy, the drugs are taken at 400 mcg every day. This must be done three or four months before the expected conception.

Preparations containing folic acid

Folic acid is necessary not only for health, but also for beauty and youth. It is worth paying attention to pharmaceutical products with folic acid, for example:

• Foliber;
• Folacin;
• Apo-Folik;
• Maltofer Fall;
• Doppelhertz Active.

When choosing vitamin complex pay attention to the composition: it’s good if it additionally contains vitamins B12, vitamin C and E (for example, Doppelhertz). The most common form of folic acid is in the form of yellow tablets. There is also folic acid in ampoules - for injection.

What foods contain folic acid?

The benefits of folic acid for women are obvious. However, women do not necessarily need to take folic acid tablets all the time. In normal times, it’s enough just to monitor your diet and include foods rich in vitamin B9 in your menu. This:

• pork;
• mutton;
• fish;
• milk;
• eggs;
• chicken.

Folic acid is found not only in animal products, but also in fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Especially useful for preventing folic acid deficiency are citrus fruits, melon, bananas, white cabbage, pumpkin, avocado, walnuts. Among the plants, it is worth highlighting parsley, dill, spinach, and onions.

Video presentation

To be happy, ladies need to love someone and do something - this secret has long been revealed. But why women need folic acid is an equally important question. What are the benefits of folic acid for women, what products can you find it in, and others interesting facts read on.

Hello friends! Svetlana Morozova is with you. Today I’m telling you about one of the main women’s vitamins – folic acid. Here you will find out why it is needed and what it contains, what signs indicate a deficiency or excess, when and how to take it. Let's go!

Why do women need folic acid?

Folic acid, otherwise known as vitamin B9, is essential for the health of both men and women. It is involved in hematopoiesis, the synthesis of amino acids and hormones, formation, metabolic processes, and reduces the risk of developing oncology.

However, folic acid is often called the “female” vitamin. And here's why:

• Preservation of beauty and youth. B9 stimulates the renewal of skin cells, helps maintain its elasticity and tone, protects against, is needed to strengthen hair and nails, prevents baldness, the appearance of early gray hair and wrinkles.
• Prevention of fetal development defects. Folic acid is recommended to be taken by married couples when planning, and then by the expectant mother during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. This vitamin protects the fetus from teratogenic factors (causing fetal deformity), reduces the risk of miscarriages, placental abruption, developmental delays and chromosomal abnormalities, pathologies of the nervous system, brain, spine, genitourinary system of the fetus, and pregnant anemia. And after childbirth, vitamin B9 stimulates milk production and increases its nutritional value.
• Prevention of breast, cervical, intestinal, and stomach cancer. This vitamin normalizes absorption nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract and excretion - all those factors that provoke female oncology.
• Help mature women after 45 years. As menopause approaches, women experience a lack of the hormone estrogen, which is why “hot flashes” begin. blood pressure, sweating and heart rate increase. Women suffer from mood and appetite fluctuations. The action of vitamin B9 is similar to estrogen, so it reduces the severity of menopausal syndrome.
• Maintaining good mood and performance. Folic acid improves brain nutrition and normalizes the nervous system. Women, due to their emotionality, are more prone to depression and less resistant to stress. Therefore, folic acid is often prescribed to normalize emotional state, combating insomnia, absent-mindedness, and forgetfulness.

In addition, why do men also need folic acid:

• Prevention of anemia;
• Normalization of digestion;
• Prevention cardiovascular diseases and heart attack;
• Acceleration (which is important for losing weight or building muscle mass in bodybuilding);
• Treatment of migraines and nervous disorders;
• Prevention of macular degeneration (destruction of the retina with loss of vision).

How to understand that you are deficient in folic acid

Folic acid is a vitamin that we cannot synthesize in sufficient quantities for the body and must come from outside. Therefore, deficiency most often develops in people who eat few fresh vegetables or poorly absorb protein due to.

Another common cause is alcohol abuse, which interferes with the absorption of the vitamin. There may also be folic acid deficiency due to obesity or taking certain medications: aspirin, glucocorticoids, nitrofuran, antacids, contraceptives.

What symptoms may indicate a deficiency of vitamin B9:

• Inflammation of the tongue;
• Early gray hair;
• Diarrhea;
• Numbness of the limbs;
• Difficulty breathing;
• Frequent headache, migraines;
• Poor appetite, sudden weight loss;
• Delayed puberty in girls;
• Slack skin, early wrinkles;
• Skin rashes (blackheads, acne, psoriasis);
• Fatigue, bad memory, absent-mindedness;
• Insomnia;
• Irritability, aggressiveness, even mania and phobias;
• Miscarriages, inability to get pregnant, missed pregnancies;
• Early onset of menopause after 40 years, its severe course.

By the way, these same signs indicate an overdose from taking vitamin preparations. In this case, children experience increased excitability and digestive disorders.

Most often, these signs can be eliminated by consuming enough folic acid in food.

Where to find vitamin B9

What foods contain folic acid:

• Beef and cod liver;
• Kidneys;
• Pork and beef meat;
• Salmon;
• Eggs, especially the yolk;
• Fermented milk products (cottage cheese, cheese, kefir);
• Legumes (lentils, peas, beans);
• Yeast;
• Seeds;
• Nuts;
• Buckwheat;
• Vegetables (corn, cabbage, turnips, asparagus, lettuce, spinach, greens);
• Fruits (kiwi, bananas, pomegranate, grapefruit).

Not long ago they began to produce food products enriched with vitamin B9: breakfast cereals, flour, bread, cereal products. Australia was the first to prove that eating such food reduces the occurrence of congenital defects in the fetus by 60%.

Every day, an adult body requires up to 400 mg of folic acid per day. Usually a balanced diet can fill this need, however, there are conditions for which vitamin B9 preparations are additionally prescribed.

Taking folic acid supplements

Why do women need folic acid? The following conditions are direct indications for use:

• Pregnancy, especially in the early stages - here the daily dosage increases to 600 mcg. Until what time is it most important to take folic acid: up to 16 weeks exactly, but preferably throughout pregnancy and lactation, as well as for both spouses 3 months before pregnancy;
• Climax;
• Megaloblastic anemia;
• Avitaminosis;
• Tropical diarrhea;
• Intestinal tuberculosis;
• and intestines.

However, there may be contraindications:

• B12 deficiency anemia;
• Malabsorption (sucrose-isomaltase deficiency);
• Fructose intolerance (fructosemia);
• Allergy to vitamin B9.

Among side effects There may be fever, bronchospasms, skin rashes.

May appoint combination drugs(for example, with B12 - Foliber) or separately folic acid in tablets or capsules. The price can vary significantly - from 30 rubles to a thousand.

How to take vitamins, what is best to choose and how many tablets to take per day - instructions for use are given by the doctor individually. It is recommended to take vitamin B9 during or after meals with plenty of water.

That, perhaps, is all about why women need folic acid.

Hello, dear readers! Our body constantly needs useful vitamins and microelements. With their deficiency, a person feels general malaise, decreased performance and concentration.

Effect of folic acid on the body

Folic acid or vitamin B9 has a certain effect on the human body. This component takes an active part in the construction of new cells, chemical processes and is responsible for the activity of enzymes.

B9 is involved in the synthesis of cells, in particular erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets. This action is necessary during pregnancy to prevent the development of pathologies in the child.

Optimal dosage useful component normalizes metabolic processes and starts the digestive tract. B9 has a positive effect together with vitamin B12.

As we age, the human body experiences dysfunction digestive system. This is due to the gradual wear and tear of organs and the inability of the immune system to resist poisons and toxins.

Lack of B9 aggravates this process, so this vitamin must be taken constantly, but without enthusiasm.

Under the influence of folic acid, serotonin is released, i.e. "hormone of joy" He is responsible for our good mood and well-being. Hormone deficiency increases the risk of developing depressive states, stress and affects ability to work.

The use of a useful component after 30 years allows for intensive restoration of the skin. The use of the substance prevents hair loss and reduces the likelihood of early menopause.

What is vitamin B9 for?

Why do women need this component and what is its role? The acid has many positive properties, including:

• restoration of the nervous system. Preventing the development of stress, improving memory and performance;
• preventing miscarriage or fetal abnormalities during pregnancy;
• increasing immunity. Consuming folic acid helps prevent the development of diseases caused by bacteria and viruses. An enriched body quickly copes with many diseases early stages their development;
• improving the condition of hair, skin and nails;
• slowing down the aging process;
• elimination of acne and rashes;
• positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• improving the functioning of the digestive tract.

According to nutritionists, vitamin B9 promotes rapid burning subcutaneous fat and helps normalize weight. The component has many advantages, and it has a positive effect not only on the body of a woman, but also a man.

The role of vitamin B9 during pregnancy

Vitamin B9 plays a huge role in the division and growth of new cells. Folic acid takes an active part in DNA synthesis and prevents the development of changes. The use of this component prevents the formation of defects.

The main one is a neural tube defect. Which can lead to the development of problems with the spine.

A lack of a useful component can provoke:

• premature birth;
• low body weight of the child;
• delayed fetal development;
• spontaneous abortion;
• placental abruption.

Vitamin B9 before and during pregnancy is very useful for both the baby and the mother’s well-being. Women who take this component reduce the risk of developing defects in the child.

Folic acid may protect pregnancy in those ugly and disgusting cases, if the expectant mother smokes, when taking medications or frequent illnesses.

Enriching the body with this component reduces the risk of having a child with autism spectrum disorders. However, do not try to take the drug yourself., especially during pregnancy. The dose is selected according to individually attending physician.

The need for vitamin B9 remains:

• with anemia;
• at diabetes mellitus;
• with spontaneous abortion in the past;
• with excessive consumption of alcohol, although it is better to forget about it altogether (my opinion)

Listen to your body and take care of your own health!

Use during menopause

Folic acid is especially important after 40 years. It helps prevent unpleasant symptoms and consequences of menopause. The active component softens the symptoms of menopause and improves overall well-being.

Folacin is a drug that replenishes the lack of folic acid in the body and helps reduce the manifestations of negative symptoms, sweating, restore sleep, eliminate fever and constant hot flashes, stabilize sleep and normalize mental state.

Additional use of the drug in old age can protect against degeneration and dystrophy. Improves the condition of the visual organs.

Sources of useful components

For both the male and female body different periods life needs vitamins. During periods of weakening of the body, folic acid (vitamin B9) is especially important for women. An unhealthy lifestyle and frequent diets provoke its deficiency, which should be avoided, since this vitamin is responsible for beauty and women's health.

The properties of an element are mainly manifested in beneficial influence on appearance: skin, hair, nails. The vitamin prevents the early appearance of wrinkles and age spots, strengthens nails, accelerates hair growth and improves its quality.

But there are other important properties:

• strengthening the body's defenses, preventing viral and infectious diseases;
• reducing the likelihood of heart disease;
• strengthening the nervous system, increasing resistance to stressful situations;
• prevention of anemia;
• migraine prevention;
• reducing the risk of cancer;
• improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• ensuring the normal course of pregnancy, reducing the risk of pathologies of the baby’s brain;
• reducing the risk of premature birth when carrying a baby.

Folic acid for women after 40, 50 years

In the life of a woman over 40, vitamin B9 plays a particularly important role. It affects the hormonal system, slowing down the onset of menopause. But even during menopause, vitamin B9 has a positive effect on a woman’s condition.

The benefits of folic acid for the body

If the right amount of vitamin enters the body, the intensity and frequency of phenomena characteristic of menopause are significantly reduced: hot flashes, mood swings, pressure surges, etc. The skin receives the necessary nutrition, due to which the formation of deep wrinkles slows down.

After 50 years, women also need this vitamin. It allows you to actively resist the symptoms of menopause and makes hormonal changes in the body more invisible. Also at this age, vitamin B9 is needed for normal stomach acidity and proper protein absorption. The vitamin helps remove accumulated toxins from the body and fights bacteria.

Folic acid for beauty

Folic acid - what women need for it is for beauty - helps make the skin elastic and hair shiny. It’s not called the beauty vitamin for nothing. If it is present in a woman’s body in sufficient quantities, it maintains the beauty and youth of the skin, hair and nails.

With its regular use, you can get rid of age spots, increase the skin's resistance to the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation, prevent baldness, strengthen the nail plates and accelerate their growth.

Folic acid is often included in medications and cosmetics, with the help of which alopecia is treated, and not only in women. From which it is clear that the vitamin is needed to activate hair follicles.

An important property of vitamin B9 is its ability to accelerate cell regeneration. And this helps to avoid the appearance of early wrinkles, premature gray hair and dry skin.

Masks with folic acid - recipes

Vitamin B9 is used both internally and externally. Folic acid is added to hair and face masks.

For hair:

For the face:

Face masks will help rejuvenate the skin, make it elastic and smooth.

Daily consumption rate

Folic acid (why women need it is already clear) is included in many foods, but sometimes it is recommended to take medications.

The norm for an adult is 200–400 mcg (0.2–0.4 mg) per day . For pregnant women, this figure increases to 600–1000 mcg, and for lactating women the norm is 500 mcg. If there are problems with hematopoiesis or the state of immunity, the dosage is increased. However, only the doctor can increase the dose after conducting the necessary examinations.

Why is a deficiency dangerous?

A healthy person's body should have about 5–25 mg of folic acid. Half of this portion is in the liver. But vitamin B9 cannot accumulate in the body and is consumed very quickly. Therefore, it is important to replenish this vitamin daily.

Lack of the required amount of vitamin B9 is fraught with:

• lack of iron in the body;
• dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system;
• disturbances in the organs of the nervous system, including the brain;
• mental disorders, the emergence of feelings of fear, phobia;
• early aging of the skin and the appearance of gray hair;
• we are vulnerable to the onset of menopause;
• developmental delay in adolescents;
• termination of pregnancy and fetal pathology.

Signs of excess vitamin

This phenomenon is extremely rare, since it is impossible to get so much folic acid from food. Folic acid hypervitaminosis can occur due to prolonged, uncontrolled use of drugs containing this element.

Because of this, the following disorders may appear:

• kidney disease;
• digestive disorders;
• excessive nervous excitability;
• insomnia.

Signs of vitamin deficiency in the body

Acute folic acid deficiency progresses very quickly. The body begins to send signals already in the first days of vitamin B9 deficiency. After a month, the level of this vitamin reaches a critical state, and the person begins to constantly get sick, feels powerless and is in a bad mood.

The deficiency of this element in the body manifests itself as follows:

• decreased hemoglobin (with this disease, peripheral organs and tissues are poorly supplied with oxygen, which causes weakness and pale skin);
• lack of appetite (if there is not enough folic acid in the stomach, an insufficient amount of hydrochloric acid is produced);
• frequent food intoxication;
• various skin rashes (acne, age spots, acne, vitiligo);
• decreased performance, fatigue;
• sudden weight loss;
• memory and attention disorder;
• irritability, apathy, neuroses, depression.

Instructions for use

To understand what dosage a particular person needs, many factors must be taken into account.

During pregnancy planning

During this period, taking folic acid is very important. This element will prepare the woman’s body for conception. In this situation, the vitamin found in food will not be enough, so the doctor prescribes folic acid in tablets. One tablet contains 1000 mcg (1 mg) of vitamin B9. Take 1 tablet per day.

While carrying a baby

Folic acid (what women need during pregnancy, the doctor will tell you) will help avoid many problems in the development of the baby and with the health of the pregnant woman herself.

If pregnancy proceeds normally, 1 tablet is prescribed for prevention. per day containing 1 mg of vitamin B9.

But it happens that a pregnant woman has a deficiency of this element in her body, then doctors prescribe stronger drugs that contain a higher concentration of folic acid: for example, Folacin, one tablet of which contains 5000 mcg (5 mg) of the vitamin. This dose is already considered therapeutic.

While breastfeeding

Taking vitamin B9 during lactation will eliminate the lack of this element not only in the mother, but also in the baby. After all, everything that the mother consumes enters his body with milk. The prophylactic dose is also 1 tablet, which contains 1 mg of the active substance.

For anemia

Anemia is a reduced concentration of hemoglobin and red blood cells in the blood. The essence of treatment for this condition is the additional intake of substances that are lacking in the body. And this is iron, vitamin B12 and B9, also known as folic acid.

For the treatment of anemia, both adults and children are prescribed an initial dose of 1 tablet containing 1 mg of folic acid. For maintenance treatment, take 0.5 of the tablet, which is 0.5 mg for adults; children under 4 years of age are prescribed 0.3 mg.

For folic acid deficiency

With this diagnosis, adults are prescribed 5 mg of the vitamin per day. Children are prescribed a dosage depending on age and weight. The treatment period should be at least 25-30 days.

During the diet

Additional intake of vitamin B9 helps to activate the body's metabolic processes and break down accumulated fats and acids. It is advisable to take this element along with vitamin C and vitamin B12. The dosage can only be prescribed by the attending physician after passing the necessary tests.

Is it possible not to take folic acid during pregnancy?

Folic acid (why women need it during pregnancy has already been described) is important for the body as expectant mother, and the baby, because if it is deficient, the woman’s placenta does not form correctly or its detachment may occur.

There is a risk of developing pathologies in the fetus; in some of them, termination of pregnancy is strictly indicated, since in 100% of cases the fetus dies either in utero or in the first hours of life. For example, this happens with one of the disorders of the fetal neural tube, which is called anencephaly.

A lack of vitamin B9 in some cases leads to the following threats:

• problems with nervous system newborn, namely dropsy on the brain, cerebral hernia, spina bifida;
• risk of spontaneous abortion or premature birth;
• intrauterine developmental delay in the baby;
• defects of the heart muscle and blood vessels;
• mental retardation;
• stillbirth;
• ventricular septal defects;
• cleft palate and upper lip;
• abnormal intrauterine development of the fetus.

When not taking folic acid during pregnancy, it is important to understand the risks for mother and baby.

What foods contain folic acid

It is ideal to get vitamin B9 from the food you eat.

Here is a list of products that contain greatest number of this vitamin:

If a person consumes a lot of the above foods, this does not always mean that he gets enough vitamin B9, because the element is very “fragile”. At heat treatment 90% of the vitamin is destroyed.

Products also lose it if they lie in the sun for a long time. The required amount of this element is found only in fresh products. If they lie in the refrigerator for more than three days, this element is also destroyed.

Preparations containing folic acid

Pharmaceutical preparations will provide the body with the necessary amount of vitamin and prevent vitamin deficiency.

Folibert

The product contains not only vitamin B9, but also vitamin B12. It is prescribed for the preventive treatment of atherosclerosis, heart disease and during pregnancy planning.

Foliber is contraindicated for people with intolerance to the components included in the tablets. Women who have problems absorbing lactose and glucose should take it with caution. Usually take 1 tablet. per day, 1 hour before eating. The course lasts up to 30 days. The price ranges from 115 to 260 rubles.

Maltofer

The drug consists of iron polymaltosate hydroxide (356 mcg) and vitamin B9 (0.35 mcg). It is most often prescribed for anemia (iron deficiency), insufficient amount of iron and vitamin B9 in the body, while pregnant and during breastfeeding.

Contraindicated if there is an excess of iron in the body, its absorption is impaired, or there are allergic reactions to the components of the drug. For the above anemia, 1-3 tablets are prescribed. per day. Treatment time is 3-4 months. During pregnancy, 1 tablet is prescribed. 2 times a day until hemoglobin levels rise. The price ranges from 506 to 610 rubles.

Doppelhertz active folic acid

The medicine contains: vitamin B9 (600 mcg), vitamin C (300 mcg), B6 ​​(6 mg), B12 (5 mcg), E (3 mcg). This composition promotes cell renewal. These tablets are prescribed to prevent heart and vascular diseases. They are useful to take during pregnancy and lactation, to cure heart disease and gynecological diseases.

Prescribe 1 tablet. per day while eating. Treatment time is 30-35 days. The price ranges from 1844 to 530 rubles.

Folic acid with vitamins B6 and B12 from Evalar

These tablets consist of vitamin B9 (600 mcg), vitamin B12 (5 mcg) and vitamin B6 (6 mcg). They are considered a dietary supplement.

Taking this drug reduces hemocysteine ​​levels. Therefore, it is prescribed to prevent the occurrence of thrombosis and atherosclerosis. It is also recommended for women carrying a child; it helps prevent the development of heart muscle diseases and complications after them.

Contraindication is intolerance to the components of the product. Prescribe 1 tablet during meals, 1 time per day. Treatment time is 2 months. The price ranges from 85 to 185 rubles.

Interaction of folic acid with vitamins and minerals

Before you begin a course of folic acid treatment, you need to know how it interacts with other vitamins and minerals.

For example, folic acid has good compatibility with vitamin B12. Together they participate in the synthesis of amino acids. But at the same time, long-term intake of vitamin B9 sometimes leads to an acute lack of vitamin B12. And a long-term lack of vitamin B6 leads to a lack of folic acid. By interacting with each other, they improve blood circulation and prevent the appearance of cholesterol plaques.

Folic acid also works well with vitamin C. Doctors recommend taking them together. Vitamin B9 can also be combined with vitamins E and D. But vitamin B2 destroys folic acid, preventing it from being absorbed by the body. Vitamin B9 also goes well with minerals: iron and iodine. But zinc interferes with the absorption of this vitamin.

Side effects

Side effects sometimes manifested by an allergic reaction, namely a rash, anaphylactic reactions, bronchospasm. From the gastrointestinal tract, anorexia, nausea, bitterness in the mouth, diarrhea or bloating may be observed.

Possible sleep disturbances, irritability, aggression and vitamin B12 deficiency.

Contraindications

The main contraindications are:

• excessive sensitivity to the components of a particular drug;
• vitamin B12 deficiency anemia;
• lactose intolerance;
• lactose deficiency;
• children up to 3 years old.

Reception of any medicinal product, even vitamin B9, which is folic acid, should only be started after consulting a doctor. Despite the fact that the female body needs it for beauty and health, it is important to determine in what dosage to take the drug so that hypervitaminosis does not occur.

Article format: Vladimir the Great

Video about folic acid (Vitamin B9)

Elena Malysheva will tell you why folic acid is needed for pregnant women:

Why do people need folic acid?