Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin B9. Vitamin B9 is a biologically inactive substance. For medical purposes, the substance is obtained artificially. Vitamin B9 is made in the form of ampoules, powders or tablets. Folic acid is also found in foods: spinach, beans, tomatoes, beets, eggs, meat, animal liver.
Pharmacological properties
The substance is involved in metabolism, and also plays a major role in the synthesis of immune cells, improves digestion. This drug is also called the motherhood vitamin, because folic acid is the most important vitamin during pregnancy, which forms the fetus, stimulates cell growth and is necessary for the development of the placenta. The lack of this substance in the initial stages of pregnancy can threaten the fetus with a defect in the nervous system.
Folic acid with vitamins B12 and B6 regulates mentalhuman condition, is involved in the synthesis of the hormones serotonin and adrenaline, which are important for the nervous system. The substance is necessary for the replication of amino acids, nucleic acids, purines, pyrimidines, takes part in the metabolism of choline. That is why, for a complex effect, doctors recommend taking folic acid along with vitamins B12 and B6.
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Assigned as a drug, vitamin B9 (in combination with other supplements) is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, interacts intensively with plasma proteins, penetrates the blood-brain semi-permeable barrier into the placenta and into breast milk. A complex of vitamins B6, B12, folic acid is excreted by the kidneys in the form of metabolites. Overdose is rare.
Indications for use
Those who have been found to be deficient in vitamin B9 in the body are shown folic acid (vitamins B12 and B6). Instructions for use include the following items:
- take the dietary supplement with meals;
- adults should take one tablet daily;
- the duration of the course is a month and a half.
Folic acid (vitamins B6, B12, C, E, B9) is a powerful compound that supports the cardiovascular system. The supplement is recommended for use in various diseases of the heart and blood vessels, in atherosclerosis, and also to reduce the risk of heart attacks.
Other indications for folic acid in maintenance therapy are:
- intestinal tuberculosis;
- chronic gastroenteritis;
- anemia and leukopenia;
- pregnancy (vitamin indicated to prevent neural tube disorders in the fetus);
- insufficient amount of acid in the body (with malnutrition, vegetarianism, pregnancy);
- tropical diarrhea.
Folic acid with vitamins B12 and B6 contributes to the formation of enzymes that prevent the development of benign and malignant tumors.
The most common combination and good compatibility of substances are vitamins K, B6, B12, folic acid, zinc. Vitamin B9 is practically safe, but doctors do not recommend taking the supplement for a long time, as it reduces the concentration of vitamin B12 in the body.
Folic acid for women: regimen
Seven out of ten women experience vitamin B6 deficiency. Folic acid with vitamins B12 and B6 is especially necessary for expectant mothers and women who are just planning a pregnancy. A lack of vitamin in the mother's body increases the risk of having a baby with pathologies or mentalinsufficiency can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or placental abruption.
With a lack of B9, women in the position experience weakness, dizziness, general well-being worsens, hair begins to fall out, and the appearance leaves much to be desired. Vomiting or diarrhea, anemia may occur.
Doctors recommend starting daily vitamins B6, B12 with folic acid at a dosage of 0.4 to 0.8 mg three months before the planned conception of a child and during pregnancy. In the event that the pregnancy is not the first and pathologies are found in the development of the first baby, it is necessary to increase the dosage to 4 mg.
Also, this drug is necessary for women after fifty years, as a biological supplement improves well-being during menopause. Vitamin B6 reduces unpleasant symptoms by having an estrogen-like effect. With regular use, the drug improves the mental state, normalizes sleep, reduces sweating, regulates the ebb and flow, normalizes blood pressure, eliminates heart palpitations.
Vitamin B9 also protects against macular degeneration - this is damage to the retina of the eye and, as a result, a rapid and severe deterioration in visual acuity.
Folic acid for men: dosage
Folic acid in a man's body is responsible for productivity and sperm count, and an insufficient amount of vitamin B9 can even lead to infertility. In addition, a lack of folic acid can subsequently have a negative impact on the child,causing the development of Down syndrome, epilepsy or schizophrenia. For men, as well as for women, it is important to start taking a dietary supplement three months before the planned conception.
To make up for the lack of folic acid in the body, you should eat enough fresh vegetables, fish, meat, cottage cheese, cheese. As a rule, in addition, doctors prescribe 1 tablet (1 ml) of vitamin per day, and as part of the treatment of various diseases, the dosage is increased to 2-5 tablets per day.
Folic acid for children: instructions
From development in the womb to three years of age, during maturation, formation and growth, the child especially needs vitamin B9. But if the mother adheres to a balanced and he althy diet, the baby does not need additional vitamin intake until the age of one. Folic acid with vitamins B12 and B6 is essential for normal growth and good memory in teenagers.
Depending on the age of the child, different dosages are prescribed:
- up to 6 months - 25 mcg;
- 1 to 3 years - 50mcg;
- from 14 years old - 200 mcg.
One tablet contains 1000 mcg of the substance, so children need to dilute one tablet in water, and then use a measuring syringe to measure the required dosage.
Slimming and cosmetic use
Scottish scientists have confirmed that folic acid is an essential element for maintaining women's he alth and beauty. Vitamin is the main participant in the formation of leukocytes, erythrocytes, new cells of the skin and hair. Vitamin B9 provides a he althy complexion, which is important for women.
For cosmetic purposes, vitamin B9 is used to improve and strengthen hair, prevent baldness, improve and strengthen nails, as well as regenerating and soothing. Liquid acid is used for hair in combination with masks, conditioners and shampoos. As part of a vitamin complex or in products, vitamin B9 is used to speed up metabolism in the body and fight excess weight.
Recipes for hair masks with vitamin B9:
- Burdock oil, rub half a teaspoon of vitamin B9 into your hair, wrap your head in a towel, hold for half an hour. Rinse off with a shampoo containing a drop of folic acid.
- Mask for dry hair. Combine avocado pulp (contains B9) with olive oil, add two drops of lemon juice. Keep the mask on for about half an hour. Wash off with warm water and shampoo.
Folic acid in the human body breaks down fats. So a successful weight loss program is taking vitamins, proper and balanced nutrition, and moderate exercise.
Side effects and overdose
The possibility of folic acid overdose is very small. Excess acid from the body is excreted in the urine. But despite the harmlessness of the drug, there are side effects and a slight chance of overdose.
Doctors advise not to set the dosage yourself, but to drink as directed.
Possible side effects include:
- rash, itchy skin, asthma attack, allergic reactions;
- not enough vitamin B12;
- development of anemia;
- thickening of the epithelium layer in the kidneys.
Overdose of vitamin B9 causes insomnia, diarrhea, cramps, acute abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation. If the above symptoms are detected, it is necessary to consult a doctor and only under his control adjust the intake of the vitamin. Additional therapy may be required.
Interaction with other drugs
Vitamin B9 reduces the effectiveness of phenytoin. Analgesics, anticonvulsants, estrogens and contraceptives increase the body's need for vitamin B9. Reduce the absorption of folic acid antacids, "Cholestyramine", sulfonamides. Inhibit dihydrofolate reductase and reduce the effect of folic acid "Triamteren", "Pyrimethamine", "Trimethoprim". Calcium folinate is additionally attributed to people who use these drugs when prescribing vitamin B9.
Contraindications for taking the supplement
It is not recommended to use vitamins with B6, B12 and folic acid in case of hypersensitivity, serious allergic reactions to B vitamins and bronchial asthma. Folic acid activates cancer cells. Contraindicated in the use of vitamin in renalinsufficiency and pyelonephritis. It is undesirable to take acid with hemochromatosis - this is a hereditary disease that manifests itself in a violation of iron metabolism.
Tablets should be stored at a temperature not exceeding +25, in a dark and dry place. Shelf life is 36 months.
