Other names: folate, folic acid, vitamin B9

For many of you, especially for the fair sex, doctors prescribed a course of folic acid or, more simply, vitamin B9.

The name folic acid comes from the Latin folium, meaning leaf. Folic acid belongs to the water-soluble vitamins of group B. B9 is necessary for strengthening the immune system, the formation and development of the nervous and circulatory systems.

Folic acid is found in large quantities in plant foods: legumes, green salad, spinach, cabbage, green onions, green peas, beans, soybeans, beets, carrots, tomatoes, wholemeal flour and bakery products made from such flour, buckwheat and oatmeal. cereals, as well as in yeast. Also, folic acid is found in some products of animal origin: cottage cheese, cheese, egg yolk, liver, kidneys, caviar.

Vitamin B9 is necessary for our body to create and fully develop new cells, the formation and maintenance of DNA and RNA, and it is also actively involved in the transfer of hereditary information from mother to child. It is for this reason that folic acid is mandatory for pregnant women. Folic acid is involved in the formation of leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelets, in the renewal of cells of internal organs and tissues.

Folic acid deficiency

The lack of folic acid primarily affects the bone marrow, because it is there that the most active cell division occurs. Cells are formed in the bone marrow, which then turn into erythrocytes (red blood cells). With a lack of folic acid, these same cells that form in the bone marrow increase in size. This can lead to the development of such a serious disease as megaloblastic anemia.

It should be noted that low levels of folic acid significantly increase the risk of cancer cells.
Folic acid deficiency has an extremely negative effect on the development of the fetus during pregnancy. Defects such as anencephaly (absence of the brain), hydrocephalus (dropsy of the brain), underdevelopment of the neural tube, etc. may occur.
During pregnancy, folic acid is actively involved not only in the formation of the fetus, but also in the formation of placental tissues and new blood vessels in the uterus.

Vitamin B9 deficiency causes metabolic disorders amino acids that contain sulfur. This leads to the accumulation of homocysteine ​​in the blood. This substance damages the walls of blood vessels, and this in turn contributes to the rapid development of atherosclerosis and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Daily intake of folic acid

Synthetic folic acid (vitamin) is more bioavailable (better absorbed and normalized) than dietary folic acid. The daily intake of folic acid is measured in micrograms (mcg).

So, the need for folic acid during the day in

• adult - 400 mcg,
• pregnant women - 600 mcg,
• nursing mothers - 500 mgk,
• children (up to 1 year) - 40-60 mcg.

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Vitamin B9 (folic acid) is a water-soluble element that is destroyed by exposure to ultraviolet rays and high temperatures.

Folic acid is involved in the oxidation and reduction processes of the body. This vitamin is actively involved in the processes of hematopoiesis, has a positive effect on the functioning of the liver and intestines.

• Supports the body's resistance to viral diseases;
• Promotes the formation and normal functioning of blood cells;
• Promotes the proper development of the nervous system in the fetus during the gestation period;
• Prevents termination of pregnancy in the late and early stages;
• Helps women cope with postpartum depression;
• Prevents the formation of precancerous cells (in the presence of a precancerous condition);
• Slows down the onset of menopause and relieves its symptoms;
• Corrects delayed sexual development.

Folic acid is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells, so it is very important to include foods rich in this element in the daily diet for young children and pregnant women.

Sources of Vitamin B9

Folic acid is found in foods of plant and animal origin. Mostly green vegetables and meat are rich in this element. About 90% of vitamin B9 is lost due to the heat treatment of food. Vegetables and meat lose 70 to 90% of folic acid when cooked, 95% when frying food, and 50% when boiling vegetables in their skins.

plant sources

• Vegetables - leafy green vegetables, pumpkin, carrots;
• Fruits - bananas, melon, apricots, oranges, dates;
• Legumes - beans, peas;
• Cereals - oatmeal, barley, bran, buckwheat;
• Mushrooms, yeast, root crops.

Animal sources

• Meat - beef, lamb, pork, chicken;
• Offal - beef liver;
• Fish - tuna, salmon;
• Dairy products - milk, cheese;
• Egg (egg yolk).

Daily Value of Vitamin B9

The daily requirement for folic acid varies depending on the age and lifestyle of a person. This element is needed by the body in small quantities - about 200 mcg per day, but regularly. A lack of vitamin B12 interferes with the absorption of folic acid, and an excess of methionine, which is rich in cheese and meat products, contributes to its rapid consumption.

Daily Value for Children

To ensure normal development and growth, the child's body needs a daily intake of folic acid. An additional dosage is necessary for mobile children, as well as those who like to sunbathe in the sun. Vitamin C is essential for better absorption of vitamin B9.

• 0-6 months - 40 mcg;
• 6-12 months - 60 mcg;
• 1-3 years - 100 mcg;
• 4-6 years - 200 mcg;
• 7-10 years - 200 mcg.

Daily Value for Men

Persons who use alcoholic beverages, diuretic herbs and bactericidal drugs need additional vitamin B9 intake. The daily requirement of men for folic acid is satisfied by taking 200 mcg of the vitamin per day.

Daily Value for Women

Women need a daily intake of vitamin B9 in the body, in the amount of 200 to 400 micrograms, depending on lifestyle. Folic acid can be called a "female" vitamin, since its effect on the body of the fair sex allows you to cope with many ailments and diseases (PMS, toxicosis during pregnancy, prevention of problems during pregnancy, menopause, etc.). Pregnant women need vitamin B9 in the amount of 300 micrograms per day, and lactating women need 260 micrograms.

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Signs of vitamin B9 deficiency

The lack of folic acid in the body is expressed by the following symptoms:

1. "Red" language;
2. Anemia;
3. Apathy, insomnia and fatigue;
4. Indigestion;
5. feeling of anxiety;
6. White hair;
7. Slow growth and development;
8. Labored breathing;
9. offspring defect;
10. Memory impairment.

Vitamin B9 overdose

Long-term use of large doses of folic acid can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency in the blood. Large doses of this compound can cause dyspepsia in childhood, excitability of the central nervous system, hypertrophy and hyperplasia of epithelial renal tissue.

We think many of us have come across such a name as folic acid. In the scientific world, it is customary to use the full name of this useful biologically active compound - Vitamin B9(folic acid). Folic acid is recognized as the "basis of the foundations" of the human body, which is one hundred percent true.

Without vitamin B9 (folic acid), the development and growth of a person slows down or stops. A lack of vitamin B9 (folic acid) leads to noticeable problems with the immune and circulatory systems, leading to a number of severe and sometimes incurable diseases.

Vitamin B9 (folic acid) got its name from green spinach leaves. The beneficial vitamin substance folate has been found in spinach. The name of the new vitamin comes from the word "folium", which literally translates from Latin as a leaf. Scientists have found that most of the vitamin B9 is found in the chemical composition of vegetables, fruits and herbs.

Daily intake of vitamin B9 (folic acid)

That is why, adherents of a vegetarian diet regularly receive a sufficient daily intake of vitamin B9 (folic acid). However, you should not rush to extremes and begin to uncontrollably consume those foods that contain vitamin B9 in the chemical composition, because. this can lead to no less unfortunate consequences.

Doctors advise strictly adhere to the established daily norms of vitamin B9 (folic acid): the minimum level is 200 mgk., and the maximum is 500 mgk. in a day. Folic acid is so important for humans also because this substance belongs to irreplaceable natural compounds. This means that in our body vitamin B9 is not synthesized on its own and we constantly need to replenish the reserves of a useful element.

Vitamin B9 deficiency (folic acid)

The substance folacin, which is part of the B9 group of vitamins, is involved in the processes of the digestive and circulatory system. Without vitamin B9, a fatal failure occurs in our nervous system, which leads to the suspension of the production of such important substances as serotonin or norepinephrine, which directly affect human mental activity.

Symptoms of beriberi include: developmental problems, anemia, bleeding gums, gastritis, or other diseases of the digestive system. The lack of vitamin B9 (folic acid) is reflected not only in the internal health of a person, but also in his appearance. Therefore, if you notice that recently your complexion has worsened, you have problems with hair growth (loss in large quantities) or nails (fragility and brittleness), consult a doctor.

Perhaps your ailment can be easily cured with a course of treatment with vitamin B9 (folic acid). It should be remembered that folic acid is one of the substances that do not tolerate any heat treatment. When cooking or frying foods that initially contain an excess of vitamin B9, more than 95% of the active beneficial substance evaporates. In order for our body to receive a sufficient amount of folic acid, it is worth increasing the intake of fresh green vegetables, fruits and cereals in your diet.

Content

This component is needed by women of any age, including pregnant women. Folic acid is vitamin B9, which is important for the health of hair and nails, the maintenance of protective mechanisms, the regulation of metabolic processes and hematopoiesis. This element contains some products, but they are not always enough to ensure its daily intake. In this case, it is necessary to take folic acid in synthetic form. It is especially important for women to maintain the level of this vitamin, because it helps to stay beautiful for a long time and bear a healthy child.

What is folic acid for women

British physician Lucy Wheels found in 1932 that pregnant women with megaloblastic anemia improved by taking a crude extract of liver cells. From this moment began the history of folic acid:

1. Lucy Wheels concluded that the component that promoted the recovery of pregnant women with megaloblastic anemia was destroyed when the liver extract was purified.
2. It was identified and named the Wills factor.
3. A few years later, the substance was renamed vitamin M.
4. Still later, this factor was identified in spinach and parsley.
5. As a result, it was named Folic Acid (from Latin folium - leaf).

It is a water-soluble vitamin involved in the development of the immune and circulatory systems. Its derivatives (di-, tri-, polyglutamates) together with it are combined into a group of substances - folates. Humans and animals obtain FA from food or through synthesis by the intestinal microflora. Most of the stock of this component is concentrated in the liver. Some women have a lack of vitamin B9, so they are shown to take this substance in the form of pharmaceutical preparations.

Compound

According to the chemical structure, vitamin B9 is pteroylglutamic acid, i.e. a compound built from L-glutamic and para-aminobenzoic acid and pteridine residues. Otherwise, it is also called folacin. The substance is highly soluble in alcohol solutions and limitedly in water. In the pharmacy, FC is represented by several types of tablets. In addition to vitamin B9, preparations may include the following auxiliary components:

• lactose;
• microcrystalline cellulose;
• potato starch;
• polyvinylpyrrolidone low molecular weight (povidone);
• magnesium stearate;
• lactose monohydrate;
• talc;
• sucrose;
• calcium stearate.

Why do women need

The benefits of folic acid for women are especially evident during pregnancy. At an early stage, this substance helps the neural tube of the embryo and other tissues to develop normally. With menopause, it improves overall well-being and reduces susceptibility to hormonal changes. Another acid is useful for failures of the menstrual cycle and planning for conception. Numerous studies confirm that it helps to get pregnant by improving fertility and normalizing the woman's body's response to estrogen.

There are many indications for the appointment of FC. The main one is pregnancy planning. In this case, the drug is prescribed to be taken at least 3 months before the intended conception. This is because this substance cannot accumulate in the body in significant quantities. Folic acid for pregnant and lactating women is useful for the following:

• reduces the risk of congenital malformations;
• reduces the likelihood of miscarriage at an early stage;
• reduces the risk of miscarriage, intrauterine fetal death, premature placental abruption;
• prevents gestosis;
• ensures the normal development of the neural tube and brain of the fetus;
• participates in the creation of nucleic acids that are necessary for the transmission of hereditary characteristics;
• improves the quality and composition of blood;
• provides an already born baby with normal immunity and bowel function, prevents a slowdown in psychomotor development;
• Prevention of postpartum depression.

In the body, FA is converted to tetrahydrofolate. It is part of many enzymes - proteins that catalyze reactions. Without folacin, protein metabolism cannot occur. In women, this substance plays a role similar to estrogen, and therefore it determines the correct development of the reproductive system. Folacin is an essential part of the process of dividing the DNA molecule. For this reason, the deficiency of this substance is especially dangerous for rapidly dividing cells, including malignant ones.

With a lack of folacin, a woman experiences irritability and apathy, since this vitamin is involved in the production of serotonin. FC is useful for the body and the following:

• improves memory;
• provides a slowdown in aging;
• prevents the formation of blood clots;
• helps in improving immunity;
• reduces the likelihood of breast cancer;
• provides a reduction in the risk of diseases of the cardiovascular system and malignant neoplasms, especially in older women;
• increases the resistance of the nervous system to stress;
• supports the normal synthesis of red blood cells, prevents the development of anemia;
• improves the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, fights bacteria and toxins in it.

Folacin is also called the beauty vitamin, because it favorably affects the appearance of a woman. It prevents the appearance of age spots and wrinkles, accelerates hair growth, strengthens nails. For women after 40-50 years, this component helps to reduce the negative manifestations of menopause: hot flashes, pressure surges, mood swings. In addition, vitamin B9 ensures the normal absorption of protein. In general, FC allows you to smooth out and even slow down the process of menopause.

Daily dose

Girls and women of different ages need a certain amount of this element. The body of an adult requires up to 300-400 mcg of FA per day. Depending on the age and condition of the woman, the daily dosage of folic acid varies as follows:

• after 40-50 years, it is recommended to increase the dose to 300-350 mcg;
• during pregnancy, the norm is 800-900 mcg;
• for prevention, it is worth taking 200 mcg;
• during lactation, it is recommended to use 500 mcg.

Deficiency symptoms

Up to 90% of vitamin B9 is destroyed by heat treatment of raw food. For this reason, this element is often lacking in the diet. In addition, it can be poorly absorbed in the intestines. Deficiency is also observed during pregnancy, when more folacin is required. Symptoms of this condition appear after 8-30 days, depending on the diet of the woman. Signs are always pronounced, and the most common of them are the following:

How to use

The main indication for the use of folacin is its deficiency. Choosing a specific medicine is based on the daily requirement, which is described above. Since there are many vitamin B9 preparations, the instructions for its use reflect only the daily dosage (no more than 1 μg) and the frequency of administration. It is not recommended to use any medication for a long time and uncontrolled, since FC reduces the concentration of vitamin B12 in the body. The list of general indications for its use includes the following pathologies:

• atherosclerosis (blockage of blood vessels by plaques);
• infertility;
• iron deficiency, drug, radiation anemia;
• aphthous stomatitis;
• viral hepatitis;
• osteochondrosis;
• tumor of the large intestine;
• spasm of the colon;
• epilepsy;
• gingivitis;
• periodontitis;
• tropical diarrhea;
• chronic inflammation and tuberculosis of the intestine.

During pregnancy

According to statistics, most couples have unplanned pregnancies. Few parents-to-be go through a full screening beforehand. A woman at an early stage of pregnancy may not even be aware of her situation, and in fact during this period the rudiments of the child's organs are already beginning to be laid, which is the basis for his future physiological and psychological development.

If at an early stage of fetal development there is a deficiency of folacin, there may be problems with both the health of the mother and the baby. Already in the second week of pregnancy, the child's brain begins to develop. Even a short-term deficiency of FC at this stage can threaten with irreparable consequences, such as:

• brain herniation;
• anencephaly;
• miscarriage;
• mental retardation;
• spina bifida in the fetus;
• anemia;
• cleft lip or cleft palate.

For this reason, vitamin B9 is prescribed from the moment of pregnancy. The prophylactic course lasts 12 weeks, i.e. the entire first trimester. Sometimes treatment is continued until childbirth. Folic acid intake during pregnancy is made in different dosages:

• 600-800 mcg - for the first trimester;
• 800 mcg - starting from 13 weeks;
• 4 mg - if there is a history of miscarriage with malformations or the birth of children with mental retardation and mental disorders, as well as while taking drugs that reduce the absorption of FA.

When planning a pregnancy

It is recommended to take folacin even at the stage of pregnancy planning. Gynecologists advise starting the prevention of the lack of this component 3-4 months before the moment when the conception of a child is expected. Doctors consider this period sufficient to make up for the deficiency, the daily dosage should be 400 micrograms. It is recommended not only for women, but also for men in order to increase sperm motility.

When breastfeeding

Folic acid during lactation is recommended at a dosage of 300-500 mcg daily. It is allowed to take it as part of a multivitamin complex. This is necessary for the prevention of vitamin B9 deficiency in both the mother and the child. Signs of a lack of this substance are eliminated after 3 months of admission, but the course is recommended to continue until the end of breastfeeding.

Folic acid for women over 40

The prophylactic dose of vitamin B9 for women over 40 is 300-350 mcg per day. Such an amount of folic acid will help to go through a period of hormonal changes without stress for the body. Tablets are recommended to be taken 2 hours before meals and half an hour after. This ensures the fastest absorption of folacin. After 40 years, it helps not only to reduce the manifestations of menopause, but also to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, diabetes, and stroke.

With anemia

The main function of pteroylglutamic acid is the production of red blood cells and the synthesis of protein in hemoglobin, which contains iron. As a result, with a lack of vitamin B9, iron deficiency anemia develops. For the treatment of such a disease, it is prescribed to take up to 2-3 mg of folic acid daily. In order to prevent anemia, the daily dose is reduced to 1 mg. The average course of treatment lasts 60 days, maintenance therapy - 60-90 days.

For weight loss

Like other B vitamins, Folic Acid affects the state of the body as a whole, including metabolic processes. Folates help speed up metabolism and fat burning. Due to this, fat is actively broken down into simple alcohols and acids, which are then excreted from the body. The effectiveness of folates for weight loss is high only when combined with diet and exercise. The body receives about 50 mcg of folic acid from food, so to reduce weight, you need to take an additional 150 mcg per day for 60 days.

Foods containing vitamin B9

A woman's body receives part of vitamin B9 from the usual foods. A significant amount of folate contains green plants, such as:

• salad;
• parsley;
• dill;
• spinach.

Animal products are also a source of vitamin B9. Every woman should include them in her diet. This is especially important when planning conception and already during pregnancy. These products include:

• milk;
• mutton;
• pork;
• liver;
• beef;
• chicken;
• tuna fish;
• eggs.

Among fruits, folic acid is found in citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, grapefruit), apricots, peaches, bananas, melons. Its high level is also observed in the following products:

• black beans, peas;
• avocado;
• walnuts;
• cabbage, beets, turnips;
• buckwheat, bran, wheat;
• wild rose;
• pumpkin;
• brewer's yeast;
• chicken giblets;
• trout, perch;
• mushrooms.

Vegetables are best consumed fresh in the form of salads. It is useful to add young nettles to them. Recommended juices are orange and tomato. It is better to lightly fry the liver or cook it for a short time so as not to destroy its beneficial trace elements. Folic acid in meat is more stable, and contained in plant foods is quickly destroyed, especially under the influence of sunlight and during heat treatment.

Products containing folic acid

This vitamin is available in preparations under different names. The most convenient dosage form is a tablet. Manufacturers offer drugs with different dosages of folic acid. The most popular preparations with vitamin B9 are the following:

• Folacin 5 mg;
• Apo-Folic 5 mg;
• Folio 0.4 mg;
• Materna 1 mg;
• Foliber 0.4 mg;
• Doppelgerz Active;
• Maltofer Fall 0.35 mg;
• Pregnavit 0.75 mg;
• Elevit 1 mg;
• Askofol 0.8 mg.

Tablets

One of the common preparations with folacin (in the amount of 400 mcg) is Foliber. It belongs to the category of multivitamins because it additionally contains 2mcg of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12). Auxiliary for the drug Foliber are the following substances:

• maltodextrin;
• lemon acid;
• trisodium citrate;
• magnesium stearate;
• lactose monohydrate;
• microcrystalline cellulose.

The only form of release of this drug is round or flat yellow tablets. The main indications for the use of Foliber are:

• prevention of deficiency of the active components contained in the preparation;
• pregnancy planning;
• first trimester of pregnancy.

Do not take Foliber with hypersensitivity to its composition, malabsorption of glucose and galactose, lactase deficiency. In the absence of such deviations, the daily dosage is 1 tablet. The recommended time of admission is before meals. In some patients, Foliber contributes to the development of allergies. The advantage of the drug is that cases of its overdose were not observed.

Another multivitamin complex with folacin is called Doppelherz Active Folic Acid (600 mcg). It additionally contains vitamins:

• E - 36 mg;
• C - 300 mg;
• B12 - 5 mcg;
• B6 - 6 mg.

The advantage of this drug is that it is available in special depot tablets. Due to the special shell, active substances are released slowly throughout the day. Indication for use - lack of substances that make up the complex, but not during pregnancy and lactation. The dosage is 1 tablet per day with meals. It is washed down with water and not chewed.

Maltofer, in addition to FC, includes 0.357 mg of iron (III) polymaltose hydroxide. The drug has an antianemic effect, therefore it is used to treat iron deficiency anemia or latent iron deficiency, including in pregnant and lactating women. The dosage is 3 tablets every day for 3-5 months until the hemoglobin level becomes normal. Contraindications to taking Maltofer:

• excess iron in the blood;
• age up to 12 years;
• other types of anemia.

The advantage of Maltofer is that the probability of an overdose is extremely small. Among the side effects after taking the pill, the following symptoms are possible:

• bloating;
• indigestion;
• diarrhea;
• constipation;
• insomnia;
• bronchospasm;
• hives;
• eczema;
• convulsions;
• staining of feces in an uncharacteristic color.

Folic acid in ampoules

Vitamin B9 is also available in ampoules containing a solution for injection. They are made in a hospital with a pronounced deficiency in a woman of this element. Another area of ​​application is the treatment of weak hair prone to falling out. To do this, the solution is added to the shampoo or mixed with various ingredients and used in the form of masks. There is 1 ampoule per 200 ml of cosmetic product. The mask is made according to the following recipe:

1. Mix 1 tbsp. l. honey with 50 ml olive oil.
2. add 1 ampoule of vitamin B9 and B6.
3. Beat, then apply evenly to the hair, wrap it with a film, and then with a towel.
4. After half an hour, rinse with warm water with shampoo or herbal decoctions.

Overdose

Toxic reactions are not observed if folacin is not taken at a dose exceeding 4-5 mg per day. If this norm is ignored, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract or the central nervous system may appear. In children with an overdose, there are signs of indigestion and increased excitability. For adults, the appearance of problems with sleep is typical.

Side effects

The main side effect of taking folacin is a hypersensitivity reaction. It can manifest itself in the form of the following conditions and symptoms:

• fever;
• erythema;
• bronchospasm;
• skin rashes;
• hyperthermia.

Price

The cost depends on the type of drug and its manufacturer. In addition, the composition of the drug also affects the price. Folacin is often a component of multivitamin complexes, which can cost more than drugs that are based only on FA. Examples of prices for the most common drugs are presented in the table:

Name of the drug	Dose of folacin, mcg	Number of tablets	Price for Moscow, rubles
Doppelgerz Active
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