What are the benefits of folic acid. How to take folic acid - its benefits and harms

The harm of multivitamins with folic acid for everyone and for pregnant women in particular.

Women taking folic acid supplements have a 20-30% higher risk of breast cancer, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers collected data on women's intake of this substance from a multivitamin over a 10-year period. Ultimately, they found that women who took a multivitamin containing the compound were more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than those who did not.

A previously published study found a 163% increased risk of prostate cancer in men taking folic acid supplements. A new meta-analysis of such supplements and the risk of colorectal cancer found that those who took it for more than three years increased their risk of colorectal adenoma by 35%. In the United States, Canada, and more recently Chile, the incidence of colorectal cancer has increased since the introduction of mandatory flour fortification.

Another new study found that taking folate in pregnant women increased the risk of childhood asthma by 26%, and another study linked supplementation with it during pregnancy to an increased incidence of respiratory tract infections in infants, especially those that lead to hospitalizations.

Last month in Norway, where flour is not fortified with the substance, researchers in a six-year study on the homocysteine-lowering effects of vitamins in patients with heart disease drew a surprising conclusion: patients who supplemented with folic acid had a higher risk of cancer and death. From him. These patients were 43% more likely to die from cancer.

Most worrisome were the results of another study comparing women who took it during pregnancy with those who did not. Thirty years later, women who received a hefty dose during pregnancy are twice as likely to die from breast cancer. Shocking, huh ?!

If folate is so dangerous, why is it included in multivitamins, prenatal vitamins, and fortified cereals? Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, a member of the B vitamin family involved in DNA synthesis and DNA methylation, which essentially turns genes on and off. Because of these significant functions, it is of great importance in fetal development and neural tissue health, as well as in the initiation and progression of cancer. In the past, much attention has been paid to the protective effect of folate against neural tube defects (NTDs).

Unfortunately, this knowledge and public scrutiny did not lead to a campaign by the US government to encourage women to get large amounts of natural dietary folate from vegetables. Instead, pregnant women have been pushed to accept its synthetic replacement. However, it is chemically different from dietary folate, resulting in differences in the absorption and processing of these two substances by the cells of the intestinal wall. Some of the folate is chemically modified to be closer to natural folate, but the modifying ability of intestinal cells is limited. An excess of this element often enters the bloodstream unchanged.

Scientists do not yet know the effects of circulating synthetic folate. Many Americans consume excessive amounts of it through multivitamin and fortified foods and thus may possibly have it in unmodified form circulating in the blood, which may contribute to cancer-promoting effects.

The recommendation for pregnant women to take folic acid supplements is particularly worrisome - these women could safely increase their status and prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) by eating green vegetables, but instead were instructed to take it, which puts them at risk of breast cancer later in life.

Children are also at risk - women who take supplements with it as a substitute for good nutrition are unable to provide their unborn babies with the extra nutrients in foods that contain folate. Maternal nutrition is a critical determinant of child health, and there is an inverse relationship between a mother's vegetable consumption and childhood cancer.

Unlike synthetic substitutes, folate from food sources, especially green vegetables, protects against breast and prostate cancer

Ironically, in people who do not take such supplements, there is an inverse relationship between dietary folate intake and breast and prostate cancer. It is an essential nutrient with vital functions. It is likely that its levels must be tightly regulated by the body, since its timing and dose are an important factor in determining whether it has a positive or negative effect. The effect of this substance on DNA can prevent the onset of cancer, but it can also promote the proliferation of tumor cells that may already be present.

Fortunately, getting folate solely from food ensures we don't get too much of it. It comes naturally balanced with other trace minerals and regulates absorption by the body.

Rich Sources of Dietary Folate

spinach, raw 843
chicory endive 835
romaine lettuce 800
asparagus, cooked 750
mustard greens, raw 700
collard greens, raw 550
okra, cooked 520
Chinese cabbage, raw 500
broccoli, raw 375
rape, raw 340
artichokes, cooked 330
Brussels sprouts, cooked 300
broccoli, cooked 300
cauliflower, raw 300
red leaf lettuce 225
celery, raw 225
edamame 225
tomatoes, yellow 200
tomatoes, orange 180
chickpea 150
red pepper, raw 150
peas, raw 100
common pumpkin 100
papaya 90
tomatoes, red 85
strawberry 75
oranges 70
blueberry 55
beets, cooked 50
avocado 50
sunflower seeds 40
cooked quinoa 35

Obviously, we don't need synthetic supplements to meet our daily folate requirement.

For 2 months in 1961, hematologist Victor Herbert ate only boiled chicken and apple juice. He argued that the deficiency of the vitamin, which is called folate, causes anemia, and was right. His health deteriorated so much that malaise made him bedridden, and it was only after he started eating vegetables that he recovered.

Thanks in part to Herbert's experiment and other studies, scientists today know very well that vitamin B9 is needed by everyone, but especially by pregnant women. Folate is found in fruits, dry beans, peas, and green vegetables such as spinach. Word folate comes from the Latin word "foliage" which means "foliar" .

A type of molecular multi-tool, folate, is involved in the formation of red blood cells and also interacts with other vitamins to help the body use dietary protein. DNA cannot reproduce without folate, which is why this vitamin is especially necessary for the development of the fetus. Lack of folate in a woman's body before and during pregnancy can cause an abnormal development of the embryo.

In order to prevent such problems, many countries have laws that allow women to get folic acid free of charge. This ingredient is often found in breakfast cereals, egg noodles, rice, bread, and other foods. These measures have significantly reduced the risk of neural tube defects in newborns.

Scientists believe folate supplementation may help fight a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer's, heart disease, and cancer. However, too high a dose of folate can trigger cancer. Recently, one group of researchers proved that the body cannot convert synthetic folic acid into biologically beneficial molecules as efficiently as previously thought.
Folic acid, or synthetic folate, is used in fortified cereals due to its longer shelf life than regular folate.

Vitamin B9 is known mainly as folate or folic acid, and belongs to the group of vitamins B. If folates are found in natural plant products, for example, in green leafy vegetables, peas, seeds, etc., then synthetic folic acid is called a form of folate found primarily in fortified foods such as morning cereals and food supplements. In this text, we will refer to them collectively as folic acid.

Folic acid is needed by the body:

to obtain offspring, normal development of the fetus and ensure the health of unborn children,
for protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism,
for the normal functioning of the nervous system,
for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, which is important for the growth and reproduction of body cells,
for the formation of red and white blood cells,
for the proper functioning of the brain, which is important in terms of mental and emotional health,
to lower blood cholesterol and increase the efficiency of the liver.

During pregnancy and lactation, the requirement for folic acid increases to 500 mcg per day. If a pregnant woman does not get enough folic acid, then the fetus may experience deformities of the palate, hernia, brain damage, babies may be born prematurely or have low birth weight, the baby's development may be delayed and the ability to learn is less. Since many pregnancies, especially in adolescence, are not planned, every woman of reproductive age should receive 400 mcg of folic acid per day with food, because the foundations of the child's nervous system are laid already in the first weeks of fetal life, when a woman can also not knowing about your pregnancy.

The best sources of folate are green parts of plants, legumes such as lentils, peas, and beans.

60 g wheat germ
75 g beans
150 g wheat bran
265 g fresh asparagus,
350 g fresh cauliflower,
840 g strawberries.

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general information

About the benefits folic acid(vitamin B 9) people have known for a long time, but only in the last 10 years have doctors begun to actively promote preventive courses of folic acid intake for pregnant women and those suffering from iron deficiency anemia.

Folic acid takes part in the metabolism, in the production of DNA, plays an important role in the synthesis of immune blood cells, and normalizes the function of the digestive tract. For pregnant women, folic acid is essential because it plays an important role in the development of the fetal neural tube. With normal levels of vitamin B 9, the likelihood of fetal malformations is significantly reduced. In addition, it is essential for the normal growth and development of the placenta.

Discovery history

In 1926, a microbiologist V. Efremov discovered a specific form of anemia in pregnant women - megaloblastic anemia. Then vitaminology developed rapidly, many scientists conducted research in this particular area of knowledge. Most of all, attention was paid to the nutritional factor. Efremov accurately determined the presence of a certain antianemic factor in the liver tissue - significant improvements were observed in patients who ate liver products.

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

Mechanism of action

Once in the body, vitamin B 9 is converted into tetrahydrofolate, which is a constituent of many enzymes, and also participates in a number of biochemical reactions, for example, in protein metabolism. As a result, the body synthesizes amino acids necessary for the formation of proteins, epinephrine and some other factors. Also, vitamin B 9 has an effect similar to estrogens - it determines the correct development of a woman's reproductive system.

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

Mood also depends on folate levels. It takes part in the metabolism of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and adrenaline, which have a significant effect on the functioning of the nervous system.

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

Folic acid requirement

The human liver usually contains some folacin, which can prevent hypovitaminosis for 3-6 months. The body of an adult needs 0.4 mg of folic acid per day, during pregnancy and lactation - 0.4-0.6 mg, a child of the 1st year of life - 0.04-0.06 mg. In the normal state of the intestinal flora, vitamin B 9 can be produced endogenously.

Folic acid and pregnancy

Maintaining normal folate levels daily for several months before pregnancy can help reduce the risk of birth defects in the fetus. Clinical studies have shown that 80% of malformations can be prevented if a woman begins to make up for the lack of vitamin B 9 even before pregnancy.

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

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

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

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

Folic acid is involved in the production of basic blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets), which is important for both the mother and the fetus.

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

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

Folic acid deficiency and its consequences

When food is cooked, it is possible to lose up to 90% of vitamin B 9, which is part of raw foods. For example, when frying meat, up to 95% of vitamin B 9 is destroyed, when cooking meat and vegetable products - from 70 to 90%, when boiling eggs - about half.

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

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

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

Folic acid deficiency in a pregnant woman's body can be a factor in the whole a number of serious violations:

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

Symptoms of a lack of vitamin B 9 may appear after 8-30 days, depending on the diet. The first symptoms of this hypovitaminosis are loss of energy, nervousness and poor appetite. One should not forget about replenishing the deficiency of vitamin B 9 during breastfeeding, since the body maintains the necessary level of this vitamin in milk, even to the detriment of itself. Therefore, when there is a lack of folic acid in the diet of a nursing mother, the above symptoms often occur, which aggravate postpartum depression.

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

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

First of all, with a lack of vitamin B 9, megaloblastic anemia develops. With this type of anemia, not only the content of erythrocytes in the blood falls, but also their activity is disrupted, since most of them do not mature in the bone marrow. If, at the same time, the lack of folic acid is not replenished, symptoms such as decreased appetite, nervousness, and loss of strength develop. Vomiting, diarrhea, alopecia are later added. Possible morphological disorders of the skin, the appearance of ulcers in the oral cavity and pharynx. If treatment is not started in time, megaloblastic anemia can lead to death.

In recent years, a number of clinical trials have been carried out, as a result of which it was found that a deficiency of vitamin B 9, disrupting the metabolism of sulfur amino acids, leads to a retention of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine has a negative effect on the vascular intima, which leads to the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Impaired absorption of vitamin B 9 can occur in diseases of the stomach, gastrectomy, when the body is deficient in antianemic factors (Castle factors) synthesized in the stomach. Folic acid can enter the bloodstream only when combined with antianemic factors, respectively, when they are deficient, the level of folic acid in the blood falls.

In addition to folic acid, Castle's factor transports cyanocobalamin into the bloodstream. Therefore, prolonged use of vitamin B 9 preparations in high dosage can lead to a lack of cyanocobalamin.

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

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

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

Deficiency of vitamin B 9 can develop with a lack of vitamins in the diet, fasting, unbalanced diets for weight loss. However, the most common factor in vitamin B 9 deficiency is dysbiosis. Dysbacteriosis develops as a result of prolonged, often uncontrolled intake of antibiotic drugs, incl. without the appointment of a medic.

In the United States, there is a law that requires a manufacturer to add a certain amount of vitamin B 9 to flour in order to prevent a shortage of this substance in consumers. In the United States, the prophylactic dose of vitamin B 9 is twice as high as in the Russian Federation.

Folic acid foods

Vitamin B 9 is a part of all tissues of humans, animals, plants and microorganisms. The human body is unable to produce folic acid. Therefore, it is obtained from food, or produced by the microflora of the colon. Therefore, in case of intestinal dysfunction or dysbiosis, the production of vitamin B 9 may be insufficient. In such situations, an additional source of this micronutrient is needed.

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

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

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

The use of bifidobacteria stimulates the endogenous production of folate in the intestine.

Vitamin B 9 decomposes rather quickly under the influence of sunlight and simply during prolonged storage of food, as well as during temperature processing of food. Folic acid, which is found in plant foods, is most rapidly destroyed. Folic acid in meat is more stable.

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

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

Medicines containing folic acid

Folic acid tablets- the most convenient dosage form for dosing (one tablet contains 1 mg of the substance). In addition, it is by far the most economical option. To fully replenish the deficiency of a pregnant woman in vitamin B 9, it is enough to take 1 tablet a day. However, given the prevalence of folic acid deficiency, which may not appear in any way externally, 2-3 months before pregnancy and in the first trimester, you can take 2-3 tablets per day. This dosage is recommended by doctors, since an overdose from such an amount of the drug is impossible, and the consequences of a lack of folic acid are extremely dangerous. In this situation, doctors resort to justified reinsurance.

Folic acid is available as a drug Folacin... One tablet of the drug contains 5 mg of vitamin B 9. This is much more than the daily allowance, even for a pregnant woman. Excess folic acid has no positive or negative effects, but is simply excreted from the body. 1 tablet Apo-Folika also contains 5 mg of vitamin B 9. Given the high content of the substance in the tablet, Folacin and Apo-Folic are used only for acute and severe vitamin deficiencies. For prevention purposes, these drugs are not recommended.

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

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

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

All complexes contain a prophylactic dose, therefore the dosage of vitamin B 9 should be calculated taking into account its content in the vitamin complex. With a normal level of folic acid in the body, there is no need for its preparations if a pregnant woman is already taking any multivitamin complexes.

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

In addition to pharmaceuticals, folic acid can be obtained from dietary supplements.

Indications

Folic acid is indicated for the following conditions:

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

Taking the drug in therapeutic doses (exceeding the daily requirement) is indicated in two cases:

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

Cases in which it is necessary to take therapeutic doses of the drug:

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

Folic acid is used in the treatment of tropical diarrhea (sprue). Sprue is a progressive inflammation of the small intestine, accompanied by diarrhea, impaired intestinal absorption, dystrophic condition, symptoms of megaloblastic anemia, dysfunction of the endocrine glands and progressive calcium deficiency. The main factors causing tropical diarrhea: infection, vitamin deficiency, protein deficiency in the diet with an excess of saccharides. With this pathology, vitamin B 9 is taken at 5 mg per day in order to normalize the process of erythrocyte synthesis.

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

Method of administration and dosage

If a woman has any of the above factors, then during pregnancy planning and in the first trimester, it is necessary to consume 2-3 mg of vitamin B 9 per day. Also, taking the drug in an increased dosage is necessary when there is a high likelihood of impaired development of the neural tube. This risk is present in women with epilepsy, diabetes, as well as in the presence of similar disorders in relatives in a straight line.

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

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

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

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

Overdose

Overdose is very rare. For this, the body must receive hundreds of times more than the required amount of folic acid (20-30 mg). With a slight excess of the required amount of the drug, excess folic acid is excreted without causing any harm to the body. However, like any medication, vitamin B 9 preparations can cause allergies.

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

Hypervitaminosis

Increased doses of vitamin B 9 can provoke dyspepsia or hyperexcitability in a child. Prolonged use of the vitamin at an increased dosage is not recommended, since this can lead to a drop in the content of cyanocobalamin in the blood.

Side effects

Depending on individual tolerance, folic acid preparations can cause allergic manifestations, bronchospasm, skin redness, hyperthermia, and rash.

Vitamin B 9 has no toxic effect on the human body. Clinical studies have been conducted on the long-term use of vitamin B 9 at a dosage of 15 mg per day (40 times higher than the daily requirement of the body). According to the research results, the drug had no toxic effect. However, prolonged intake (more than 90 days) of vitamin B 9 in an increased dosage can lead to a drop in the level of cyanocobalamin in the blood, which can provoke anemia. Increased doses of the vitamin can provoke disorders of the digestive tract, increase excitability, and cause an imbalance in the work of the kidneys.

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

acetylsalicylic acid (in high dosage);
nitrofurans (taken for urinary tract infections);
combined oral contraceptives;

Folic acid and men's health

Vitamin B 9 is essential for both women and men. With chronic vitamin deficiency in men, a number of pathologies can develop, including infertility and megaloblastic anemia. Taking folic acid in a therapeutic dosage excludes such complications.

The main indicator of male health is considered to be the state of sperm. Spermatozoa are the same cells; protein and nucleic acids are needed for their synthesis. In the absence of vitamin B 9, sperm synthesis is impaired. With a lack of vitamin, the concentration of spermatozoa decreases, and their condition worsens: sperm cells may have an unnatural shape or have no tail, which reduces their mobility. But the worst thing is that such spermatozoa may have an incorrect number of chromosomes, and this is the main factor in hereditary diseases in children (eg Down syndrome).

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

Folic acid in the treatment and prevention of cancer

Vitamin B 9 prevents cancer. But if the disease has already begun, then the drug should not be used, since folic acid will also contribute to the division of cancer cells. In such situations, medications are used that inhibit the activity of vitamin B 9, such as methotrexate. This inhibits the growth of the tumor. In order to prevent metabolic disorders, a drug is prescribed that replaces vitamin B 9 - folinic acid. Given the higher risk of cancer in older people, they are not advised to take folic acid supplements without a doctor's recommendation.

Leucovorin is a folinic acid-based drug that has been successfully used as part of chemotherapy for oncological diseases. It reduces the severity of intoxication after the use of cytostatic drugs (vomiting, diarrhea, hyperthermia, damage to bone marrow tissue).

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

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

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

Research has led to another important conclusion. The least common tumor of the large intestine was found in women who regularly consumed vitamin complexes over the past 10-15 years.

Folic acid and prevention of atherosclerosis

Recently, doctors are increasingly inclined to believe that folic acid is effective in preventing atherosclerosis - the main factor in diseases of the cardiovascular system.

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

Homocysteine is an endogenous amino acid. Under the influence of enzymes in the body, it is transformed into the essential fatty amino acid methionine, which is involved in the production of protein. If the body is deficient in the appropriate enzymes, homocysteine builds up in the blood and destroys the walls of the blood vessels, causing inflammation. Cholesterol is involved in this process at a later stage. Proponents of the new theory argue that without homocysteine, even with an increased level of cholesterol in the blood, atherosclerosis does not progress.

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

Before use, you must consult a specialist.

Folic acid, otherwise vitamin B 9 has unique properties for the human body. The compound is very widespread in nature. Folate occurs in the tissues of many plants and animals, especially green leafy vegetables, liver, and yeast.

Discovery history

Folate was discovered at the turn of the 30s and 40s of the XX century.
The impetus for this discovery was the search for a yeast component with medicinal properties.

In 1935, Wils and Stewart conducted an experiment in which they caused anemia in monkeys. After taking the yeast, the anemia went away. In 1946, Mitchell and Williams obtained a component from spinach that was named folic acid. What is it? And what is it for?
It is necessary to maintain metabolic processes, for the synthesis of purines and some amino acids, for cell division and regulation of the formation and maturation of erythrocytes.

Folate is essential for growth and development. They are involved in the synthesis of serotonin - the "hormone of happiness". At least for this reason, it is worth taking care of the correct concentration of this vitamin in the body.

Functions of B9 in the body

Folic acid (synonyms: vitamin B9, vitamin M) and its derivatives belong to the folate group.
These compounds have the same biological activity.
However, the most assimilable compound from this group is folic acid. The properties of this vitamin are quite varied. It is rarely found in food, but is often used as a medicine, food additive, and as an ingredient added to foods for the purpose of enriching them.

Many plant and animal foods contain folate.
These compounds are sensitive to high temperatures, direct sunlight and acidity of the environment.
During storage, they oxidize to less digestible derivatives.

The active compound B9 in the body, acting as coenzymes in various metabolic reactions, is tetrahydrofolic acid.
It participates in the reactions of synthesis of purines, pyrimidines - the main components of nucleotides.

It takes part in the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and, therefore, it is necessary for normal cell division.

Tetrahydrofolic acid is involved in:

development of nerve cells,
normal functioning of the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, genitals, white blood cells,
the formation of red blood cells,
correct growth of the body.

The benefits of folic acid for women during pregnancy are often underestimated.
It is an important element at the very beginning of pregnancy, at 2-4 weeks, when the fetal nervous system is formed.

According to the existing norms in medicine, the recommended norm of folate for adults is from 280 to 340 mcg per day, depending on gender, age, physical activity.

The recommended daily intake for pregnant women is above 400 mcg per day.
Many parents have a question, is it possible to give folic acid to children? Folate is found in many foods. The daily norm of vitamin B9 in children is 50 - 150 mcg.

Therefore, in order to avoid overdose of dietary supplements, you should first consult your doctor.

Everyone knows that the human body has a certain daily requirement for each vitamin and microelement. But here it should be borne in mind that some substances can be fully or partially synthesized by the body itself, while others can come exclusively from external sources. Folic acid (or vitamin B9) is produced by the microflora of the large intestine, but this amount is so small that it is usually not even taken into account. This component is extremely necessary for the normal functioning of organs and systems, therefore it is important to ensure its supply. What exactly is the benefit of the substance and how can it be obtained? - this is what we will find out within the framework of this article.

Why folic acid is useful and what is it for

Folic acid has a general positive effect on the human body, as it ensures the normal course of the following processes:

synthesis and maintenance of the integrity of the DNA structure;
cell growth;
the production of enzymes that prevent the appearance of neoplasms;
improving the work of immune defense;
support of the cardiovascular system;
synthesis of amino acids;
beneficial effect on hematopoiesis;
regulation of the processes of excitation and inhibition of the nervous system.

The component is a mandatory part of the complex of therapy for Parkinson's disease and many other complex diseases.

Women's health benefits

Folic acid is one of those components that are essential for the female body. First of all, the substance helps to form new cells, which promotes the growth of hair and nails, more active renewal of the skin. A number of studies have shown that ensuring an adequate intake of the vitamin in the body reduces the likelihood of developing breast and ovarian cancers.

It should be borne in mind that women are more emotional, so their reaction to the events taking place around them is often quite acute. The described vitamin is a kind of prevention of depressive conditions due to the fact that it participates in the process of stimulating the production of the so-called hormone of happiness - serotonin. But the deficiency of this component is a direct path to emotional depression, depression, increased fatigue and other unpleasant conditions.

Useful properties for men

The intake of all the necessary vitamins and minerals in the body is the key to good health, vigor and health. Each of the beneficial components has a role in the human body, and folic acid is also indispensable for men in the following aspects:

the vitamin is involved in the formation of new cells, and with its deficiency, the number of active sperm is significantly reduced, which reduces a man's ability to conceive;
for conception, it is important to take B9 for at least three months in order to reduce the likelihood of the formation of gene mutations in future offspring;
in adolescence, the component is necessary for the normal course of the process of puberty;
thanks to folic acid, the chances of suffering from age-related baldness are reduced.

Vitamin B9- an important component of all sex dependence, and its intake in full is important to control at any age and situation.

When planning a pregnancy

B9 in sufficient quantities is especially relevant for pregnant women, since in many ways it is the key to a successful pregnancy and normal intrauterine development of the baby. Its intake helps to achieve such positive effects:

reduces the risk of premature birth;
helps to normalize the emotional background in the postpartum period;
folic acid plays a significant role in the prevention of neural tube pathologies in a baby;
Although the substance does not help to get pregnant, it prepares the body and provides the necessary conditions for conception, which necessitates taking the drug for at least a three-month period before the planned conception.

Some do not consider it necessary to take vitamin complexes both in preparation for pregnancy and during its course, however, experts insist that this is no longer a risk for the mother herself, but for the unborn baby.

For beauty of face skin, hair and nails

This direction of the beneficial effect of the described component directly follows from its ability to influence the processes of active formation of new cells. The most obvious consequence of folic acid deficiency is the appearance of skin defects, often in women who are not worried about a sufficient intake of the component, white spots appear on the skin. It is for the normal renewal of the skin of the face and the whole body that B9 is needed.

Folic acid is also beneficial for complexion, nails and hair. In both women and men, it helps to avoid baldness by stimulating hair growth. Considering all of the above, it is not at all surprising that the component belongs to the group of beauty vitamins.

Slimming

In this aspect, it is worth mentioning the particular importance of the component in the metabolic functions of the body. Ensuring the normal intake of the component is not only good for health, but also for the figure: the vitamin helps to process fat cells. This effect explains why many dietitians recommend supplemental folic acid supplementation. But it is worthwhile to understand that this is not the only way to lose weight, the vitamin complex is just one element from the general system designed to help lose extra pounds.

Vitamin B9 deficiency symptoms

It is not so easy for the body to get the right amount of folic acid. Firstly, part of such an important product is lost in the presence of bad habits, such as smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages and frequent use of drugs. The substance is poorly absorbed in case of problems in the liver. Secondly, due to the fact that this vitamin is water-soluble, it is very quickly destroyed during heat treatment, at room temperature under the influence of sunlight, getting it from food is also a rather difficult process. With all this in mind, about 7-8 out of ten people have a deficiency of this component, which can manifest itself in the following symptoms:

feeling of depression, frequent depressive moods;
decreased activity and performance;
irritability;
insomnia;
fast fatiguability;
headache;
noticeable memory impairment;
fetal developmental defects or frequent, unreasonable abortions.

An acute lack of a component usually turns into open hostility and aggressiveness towards the outside world, sudden weight loss, loss of appetite. In especially difficult cases, psychological disorders may even develop - mania of various kinds or paranoia.

Deficiency can occur only when sufficient intake of the component has not been observed for more than a month. After 4 months of this condition, anemia develops, due to which the processes of formation of blood cells in the bone marrow are disrupted.

Instructions for the use of vitamin B9 and dosage

To maintain your health, it is important to ensure at least a minimum intake of vitamin in the body. For an adult, this lower line is 200 mcg, the optimal one is up to 400 mcg. Getting a good result requires regular intake of a tablet form of the vitamin release, otherwise the effect will not be persistent. It is worth considering that additional intake of folic acid is necessary under conditions of increased mental and physical stress, during illness and stressful situations. In such situations, the minimum is increased to 300-400 mcg (this is especially important for people who are in professional sports).

Preparations with this component must be taken either with meals, or immediately after once a day. The recommended duration of the preventive course is from two to three months.

How to take for pregnant women

Vitamin B9 is important for the development of the fetus, and during pregnancy, a woman's need for this component increases 2-3 times. Prescribing a specific dose should be handled by the doctor who is pregnant, and usually the dosage is 500-800 mcg. In the 1st trimester, an increased dose is most relevant, after which it can be reduced. Do not be afraid of such large numbers - the excess of the component is easily excreted by the body, and an overdose is possible only if you take about three dozen tablets at once.

Method of application for children

For a child, the rate of acid intake is determined by his specific age. So, for example, up to a year, it should be administered in an amount of 50 mcg, up to 6 years, the dosage increases to 100 mcg, in the period up to 10 years - 150 mcg, and, finally, over 12, a dose of 200 mcg is relevant. The main indication for use is usually the prevention of the onset of deficiency.

How to drink folic acid when it is deficient in the body

The lack of a component must be replenished systematically, without leaning on the intake of vitamin at once in large quantities. It will be enough to purchase the drug in tablets and take it according to the rules described in the instructions. Only the systematic use of supplements and the correction of the eating style, which implies an increase in the number of healthy foods, can eliminate and prevent the state of deficiency.

What foods contain folic acid

Vitamin B9 is found in food, but it is worth remembering that during heat treatment it is almost completely destroyed, so whenever possible they are eaten fresh. A distinctive feature of most B9-rich foods is a rich, dark green color. The list looks like this:

celery, spinach, different types of cabbage and green onions;
walnuts;
tomatoes;
citrus fruits and watermelons;
cereals, yeast;
germinated wheat seeds;
beets, etc.

Also, the component is found in dairy products, egg yolks, sea fish and beef liver. It is worth mentioning that B9 is efficiently absorbed only if there is a sufficient amount of vitamin B12, so nutrition must take this balance into account and maintain.

Folic acid product names

You can buy useful vitamins with folic acid at any pharmacy, and the component can be either the only active component of the composition, or be one of the others. The simplest and most affordable remedy has a similar name - Folic acid tablets. The ingredients of such a supplement include only vitamin B9 (usually in the amount of 1 mg per tablet) and auxiliary components.

You can also find a vitamin in complex vitamin supplements, for example:

Complivit;
Doppelgerz asset;
Foliber (product containing B9 and 12);
Maltofer;
Folic acid "9 months";
Efalar (Folic acid + B6 + B12).

Given the increased need for a component when carrying a baby, during this period, specialized vitamin complexes are prescribed for admission, for example:

Compliant Mom;
Vitrum Prenatal Forte;
Mom's Health Alphabet;
Pregnavit.

Harm and side effects of taking vitamin B9

Taking folic acid over a long period of time can cause some harm to the body, even though there is no accumulation effect. So, stimulating the production of estrogen for a woman is undoubtedly beneficial for conception, but up to a certain limit. Excessive growth of the endometrium is an ideal platform for the development of neoplasms in the uterus. Normalization of endorphin production is also good in moderation - its increased amount leads to overexcitation, which is accompanied by irritability, sleep problems and even the occurrence of panic attacks. Side effects can affect the functioning of the kidneys, the immune system, and the digestive tract.

Overdose

Given that this vitamin is a water-soluble vitamin, its excess is usually simply excreted from the body, but an overdose situation is still possible - when taking an increased dose for a long time. It was previously believed that there is no harm from vitamin B9, no matter how much it is taken, however, recent studies have shown that if an overdose occurs during pregnancy, the risk of having a baby with a tendency to bronchial asthma and frequent colds increases.

Excessive intake of this substance in case of problems with the cardiovascular system can really lead to the development of coronary insufficiency and heart attack in the future. In the presence of megaloblastic anemia, a large amount of the described substance can help to hide the symptoms and imperceptibly aggravate the disease.

And although direct harm to a healthy person from an overdose is not described, if such symptoms occur, it is better to seek medical help:

metallic taste;
rash on the body;
digestive problems;
increased irritability;
sleep disorders.

Contraindications to the use of folic acid

The only unequivocal contraindication to the use of folic acid is hypersensitivity to it, which depends on the individual characteristics of the patient's body. However, there are several situations in which the use of a substance is carried out with extreme caution, namely:

forms of anemias associated with a lack of vitamin B 12;
violation of iron metabolism in the body;
childhood;
the presence of malignant neoplasms.