Let's talk about vitamins: what should be the daily dose of folic acid. Folic acid for women: what is needed, how to take the maximum dosage of folic acid

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 for the creation and full development of 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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Content

Vitamin B9 is a biologically inactive substance, so it is obtained artificially for medical purposes. Fresh vegetables are rich in folic acid, especially spinach, meat and liver, but in some situations this is not enough for normal life. It is taken by ingestion of tablets or the contents of ampoules.

How to drink folic acid

Once in the human body, folic acid is converted to a biologically active form, similar to enzymes. This produces amino acids. It is also necessary to take the drug for:

normal functioning of blood cells;
DNA synthesis;
anemia treatment;
antimicrobial therapy;
cancer prevention;
proper growth of the fetus during pregnancy.

The question of how to take folic acid is of concern to many. The average rate of vitamin intake is 1.5-3 mg per day for an adult per month (the intake is divided into 3 parts) and up to 200 mcg for children, consumed once. You can take the drug in the form of tablets, powders or ampoules. The latter form of release is used as an injection and externally.

Indications for taking B9 are:

pregnancy;
treatment of leukopenia and anemia;
treatment of tropical diarrhea, intestinal tuberculosis, chronic gastroenteritis;
against hair loss;
for skin beauty;
for the effect of weight loss.

Contraindications for the use of the drug:

a long course of administration - to prevent a decrease in the concentration of vitamin B12;
kidney disease;
allergy;
violation of iron metabolism;
bronchial asthma.

Of the side effects note:

bitterness in the mouth, nausea;
bloating;
itching, skin rash;
asthma attacks.

Daily folic acid intake for women

For the normal functioning of all body systems, an adult woman should receive 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, but almost always this amount is obtained from food. When planning a pregnancy, 600 mcg is required daily a couple of months before conception, but this amount can be taken only after consulting a doctor. For nursing mothers, the recommended dose of the drug is 500 mcg daily, while an overdose is unlikely.

Daily dose of folic acid for men

B9 is also useful for men to drink. This raises the question of how to take folic acid. In the male body, folic acid affects the quality and quantity of sperm, so you need to drink it before conception to prevent the risk of reducing sperm quality. If the body of the future father does not have enough vitamin, then the child may develop schizophrenia, epilepsy, and even Down syndrome. To prevent this, before conception, a man should take the drug according to the instructions at a dosage of 400 mcg for 100 days.

Adolescent boys need the drug to regulate normal spermatogenesis. If their body lacks B9, then growth retardation, memory impairment, loss of appetite are noticeable. You need to get folic acid from green vegetables, offal, fish, dairy products. To prevent deficiency, it is recommended to take 1 mg per day for a course of 2-5 days according to the instructions.

When doing bodybuilding, the need for a vitamin increases, because its deficiency leads to overeating, lack of muscle gain due to the reduced ability of the body to synthesize new cells. Athletes need a remedy for protein formation, muscle preservation and recovery after heavy loads. The recommended rate is 600 micrograms, which can be increased to 1000 micrograms in some cases.

How to drink folic acid for children

Already inside the mother's womb, the child needs B9, which enters his body through the placenta. After birth and up to 3 years, the vitamin is needed for the active growth and development of most organs and systems. Children under 12 months of age may not be given the drug if the mother is well fed and has a balanced diet. The need for a vitamin has the following dependence on age in mcg:

up to six months - 25;
up to a year - 35;
up to 3 years - 50;
up to 6 years - 75;
up to 10 years - 100;
up to 14 - 200;
up to 18 - 200.

You need to take the drug in tablets according to the instructions. One dosage contains 1 mg or 1000 mcg of the vitamin, therefore, to measure the daily dose, pediatricians are advised to dissolve the tablet in water and draw the indicated amount with a measuring syringe. Tablets can be avoided if the child eats the required amount of green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, eggs, cod liver or chicken, beef.

How to use folic acid during pregnancy

An important period of pregnancy involves taking vitamin B9, because it takes part in the formation of the neural tube of the unborn child, ensures the normal functioning of the placenta and its health, and reduces the risk of miscarriage. If you do not receive the remedy in the right dosage, the child may develop:

hydrocephalus;
delayed brain activity;
delayed muscle development.

If pregnancy is planned, then you need to take the vitamin in advance, but if it is not planned, then you can drink it immediately, as the woman realized that she was pregnant. In the first trimester, the doctor prescribes a pregnant woman 400 mcg twice a day, the vitamin should be taken at the same time, before meals, with water. In the second trimester, the dose of a pregnant woman is prescribed up to 600 mcg per day, and in the third - up to 800.

Any amount is prescribed by the doctor after a thorough examination. The intake rate of B9 for a pregnant woman can be increased for the following reasons:

the active substance is quickly excreted from the body;
ultrasound revealed the risk of developing fetal defects;
genetic defects in parents;
diseases of the stomach, intestines, bladder;
constant vomiting.

It's no secret that vitamins play an important role in maintaining the health of our body. One such essential nutrient is vitamin B9, also called folic acid.

What is its purpose for human health? In what products does it occur? What should be the daily dose of folic acid to maintain the functionality of the body? We will answer these and many other questions in this article.

Folic acid - what is it

Folic acid is a water soluble vitamin

Folic acid is one of the water-soluble vitamins. This substance was found by scientists in the green leaves of spinach. Therefore, such a name was given: “Folium” is translated from Latin as “leaf”.

The source of folic acid are:

products enriched;
special medicines and;
microorganisms that inhabit the small intestine.

These microorganisms are even able to fully provide the human body with the necessary amount of this substance.

Why does our body need folic acid?

Vitamin B9 is responsible for the normal functioning of various systems of our body: circulatory, nervous, endocrine, reproductive. One of its most important functions is participation in the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow - "erythrocytes".

It is this substance that stimulates the action of enzymes that trigger biochemical processes, the result of which are “mature red blood cells”. Therefore, a deficiency of this vitamin causes anemia.

Folic acid is essential for protein synthesis and cell division. It maintains the normal structure of all organs and tissues. For this reason, it is so important to prevent its deficiency in the first trimester of pregnancy, when all organs and systems of the fetus are being laid.

Folic acid affects the condition of the skin, hair, mucous membranes and organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin deficiency negatively affects the reproductive abilities of men and women, reducing the quality of the formed sperm and eggs.

In addition, B9 is necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses. Its deficiency can lead to various neurotic disorders, including dementia and depression. Scientists have proven that folic acid contributes to the formation of serotonin - the "hormone of joy" that affects our mood.

Thus, folic acid:

improves immunity;
reduces the risk of developing cancer and pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
prevents the occurrence of anemia;
improves metabolism, the condition of the skin and hair;
stimulates the digestive tract;
prevents the occurrence of neuralgic diseases and pathologies of the central nervous system.

How much folic acid should be consumed daily

Folic acid - found in fruits and vegetables

In order for our body to work like a clock, you should consume the prescribed amount of vitamins and minerals. What should be the daily intake of folic acid? This indicator varies depending on many factors: age, disease, etc.

An adult should consume at least 300-400 micrograms of folic acid per day. In preparation for the conception of a baby, future parents are advised to increase the dosage to 600 mcg. It is necessary to receive vitamin in large quantities (from 600 to 800 mcg) and nursing mothers (500 mcg).

What can vitamin B9 deficiency lead to?

In most cases, the following categories of citizens experience a lack of folic acid:

pregnant women;
newborns;
children from 1 year to 3.

Hypovitaminosis is accompanied by the following symptoms:

constant fatigue and irritability;
anxiety;
deterioration in sleep and appetite;
the occurrence of anemia, heaviness in the abdomen, stomatitis, pain in the legs;
deterioration of memory, condition of the skin and hair.

The lack of this substance during pregnancy can lead to various pathologies of the neural tube of the fetus, including those incompatible with the life of the baby. Folic acid deficiency provokes miscarriages, and also affects the condition of the placenta.

A child lacking this substance in the womb is often born with severe malformations: hydrocephalus, cerebral hernia, mental retardation, etc.

Where is folic acid found

Folic acid - in tablets

The most valuable source of vitamin B9 are:

greens (, lettuce, parsley);
nuts:
dates;
tomatoes;
buckwheat, oats, barley;
fruits (bananas, oranges, grapefruits, apricots, melons);
beans, peas;
carrot;
mushrooms;
various types of meat and fish;
liver;
(milk, cheese);
egg yolks.

A balanced diet helps maintain normal vitamin levels in the body.

Folic acid medicines

Folic acid is especially important for pregnant women

Often, a lack of vitamin B9 cannot be quickly eliminated only by eating right. Then specially designed medicines containing folic acid come to the aid of the patient.

It should be remembered that such drugs and dietary supplements should be taken only after consultation with a specialist and in a strictly prescribed dose. Consider the most popular folic acid preparations on the pharmaceutical market.

One popular remedy is Folic Acid tablets containing 1 mg of vitamin B9. This dose is considered the most optimal. Yes, and these tablets are relatively inexpensive. The dosage of the drug is selected by the doctor individually, depending on the indications.

For prevention, it is recommended to drink 1 tablet per day. With an acute lack of vitamin, the patient should take 2-3 tablets. For therapeutic purposes, patients are prescribed Folacin or Apo-Folic. These medicines contain 5 mg of vitamin, which is many times higher than the daily requirement of our body.

It is for this reason that drugs are used only for the treatment of folic acid hypovitaminosis and are prescribed by a doctor for a course of 20-30 days. Self-administration of such drugs is undesirable.

In the preparation "Folio" 0.4 mg of folic acid and 0.2 mg of iodine. This dosage is considered optimal, as it contains the daily norm of these elements for our body. An excellent prevention of folic acid deficiency is the intake of various vitamin complexes. The list of them is huge. To name just a few of them:

"Alphabet";
"Bio-Max";
"Vitrum";
"Supradin";
"Elevit" and others.

Indeed, folic acid is very important for our health. It helps to ensure the normal functioning of the circulatory, cardiovascular, digestive, nervous, reproductive systems of our body.

Deficiency of this substance during pregnancy leads to negative consequences for the mother and fetus. , taking prophylactic drugs will help you get enough vitamin per day, thereby preventing the appearance of unpleasant symptoms.

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Every day the human body should receive about 30 vitamins and minerals. The lack of these substances leads to general weakness, malfunctions of organs and their systems, and other health problems. This is especially true for women and men who are planning to conceive a child. Folic acid when planning pregnancy is one of the most important substances. How and in what dosage you need to drink it, the doctor will tell you.

Vitamin Benefits

If a woman's body lacks folic acid, or vitamin B9, conception may not occur. Its normal amount, on the contrary, contributes to the onset of pregnancy and easy bearing of the fetus. Thanks to this substance, the neural tube is formed - the rudiment of the central nervous system of the unborn child. A sufficient amount of vitamin B9 prevents malformations.

And what happens if a woman's body is deficient in vitamin B9?

There is a risk of such difficulties:

Placental abruption. May be partial or complete.
Unexpected termination of pregnancy in the early stages.
Stopping the development of the embryo.
The so-called developmental errors. This is a cleft lip, complications in the formation of viable brain cells, neural tube defects. These include severe lesions of the spinal cord associated with the fact that the channel is not completely closed; anencephaly (the brain is not fully developed).
Intrauterine death of a child.
Anemia, joint pain in a pregnant woman.

Each of these defects can occur in the first 20-30 days of pregnancy. Why so early? Because at this time the formation of organs and their systems takes place. That is why it is important even before conception to normalize the level of folic acid in the body.

Vitamin B9 is responsible for the formation of DNA in the fetus. And that, in turn, is the basis for the formation of tissues and organs. Also, folic acid when planning pregnancy contributes to the proper development of the placenta.

Not always folic acid deficiency is accompanied by some special signs. Take, for example, anemia. It occurs when the number of red blood cells produced by the bone marrow decreases. At first, a woman's mood often changes, irritability appears, she quickly gets tired. The following symptoms are indigestion, vomiting, and even hair loss. Ulcers may appear on the oral mucosa. And if a woman suffers from hypertension, the risk of childbirth with complications will increase.

Pharmacy preparations

The daily intake of folic acid, according to the instructions for use, is 400 mcg. In the period before conception, a woman needs to double the dose (800 mcg).

It is also necessary to increase the dosage in cases where there are visible signs of a lack of a vitamin, and also when there are factors that contribute to its rapid removal, for example, the use of oral contraceptives and anti-seizure drugs. More folic acid should also be drunk for those women who, before pregnancy, were on protein diets or suffer from toxicosis of pregnant women.

Particular attention should be paid to those suffering from diabetes or epilepsy. With such diseases, B9 will help prevent disorders in the development of the central nervous system of the child.

In all of the above cases, the daily intake is 3 tablets. A large dosage of folic acid during pregnancy is indicated for those who drink alcohol, smoke, do not add vegetables and herbs to the diet, or often suffer from constipation / diarrhea. It will be better if the dosage is determined by the doctor.

Is there a risk of overdose?

Hardly ever. This condition can occur if several times the daily intake of the vitamin is exceeded.

Excess has no effect on the body. The only thing that can happen is an allergic reaction.

Vitamin B9 does not accumulate in our body "in reserve". Its excess is immediately removed. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that daily consumption covers the needs of a person.

How to use?

In most cases, doctors advise drinking one tablet 1-4 times a day. According to the instructions, its use can last up to three months.

Folic acid should be taken immediately after meals with a small amount of water.

Sometimes doctors prescribe vitamin E for complex therapy. Together with B9, it protects body cells from adverse external influences, improves sexual functions for both women and men, restores balance in the hormonal system, promotes the formation of female and male hormones progesterone and testosterone, accelerates conception.

Contraindications

There are diseases when the use of vitamin B9 is strictly contraindicated:

bronchial asthma,
kidney failure,
pyelonephritis,
allergic reactions.

Sometimes the body reacts to a substance in unpredictable ways. Vomiting, indigestion, sleep disturbances, cramps, and abdominal pain may occur. How to be in that case? Urgently consult a doctor. He will reconsider the advisability of using the drug and its dosage.

Do future dads need folic acid?

Experts answer in the affirmative. If there is little folic acid in a man’s body, he develops atherosclerosis of the vessels or anemia:

Atherosclerosis is a consequence of metabolic disorders, in particular, amino acids containing sulfur. A substance called homocysteine appears in the body of a man. It provokes the weakening and destruction of blood vessels.
Anemia, or anemia, occurs when the bone marrow produces large but immature red blood cells. "Thanks" to them the disease progresses.

Scientists have proven that a lack of folic acid in a man's body provokes the formation of incompetent spermatozoa, that is, those that cannot fertilize an egg. That is why the use of B9 by a man before conceiving a child is considered the norm.

For men, it is better to compensate for the lack of folic acid with foods containing it, for example, green vegetables.

"Male" dosage

The optimal level of B9 is 3-17 ng per 1 ml of blood. The norm is 400 mcg. According to the instructions, you need to drink 1 tablet (1 mg) 1 time per day.

As with women, men need to see a doctor to determine the optimal dose.

Folic acid is available in pharmacies in the form of medicines. Their use without a doctor's prescription is strictly prohibited. Such amateur activity can harm both the expectant mother and the baby.

Vitamin B9 tablets. The amount of the main substance is 1 mg. This dosage is considered ideal for both men and women during the planning of a child.
Folacin. According to the instructions, each tablet contains 5 mg of the substance. This is much more than the body requires per day.
Folio. This formulation contains 400 micrograms of B9 and 200 micrograms of iodine. It satisfies the body's need for these substances both during the planning period and during the onset of pregnancy.

Among other things, B9 can be found in vitamin complexes designed for pregnant women. They usually contain a prophylactic dose.

Where to look for a vitamin?

Proper, balanced nutrition will provide the future baby with a sufficient amount of essential vitamins. Folic acid is found in both plant and animal foods.

Most of all it contains:

greens and lettuce,
legumes,
horseradish leaves,
pumpkin,
carrot,
beet,
cucumbers,
bananas,
melons,
mushrooms (especially porcini and champignons).

Nuts are rightfully considered record holders for the amount of vitamin B9 in the composition.

Folic acid levels can be normalized by drinking orange and apricot juice, eating barley groats and wholemeal baked goods.

From products of animal origin, it is worth giving preference to fish (especially tuna and salmon), liver, meat, chicken, eggs, dairy products.

Like all other vitamins, B9 is destroyed when exposed to high temperatures. During cooking, about 90% of folic acid breaks down. Therefore, sometimes doctors advise taking special vitamin complexes.

It is worth taking folic acid in the period before conception for both men and women.

The lack of a vitamin in a woman's body leads to disastrous consequences - this is a lag in the growth of the fetus, and placental abruption, and even stillbirth. Poor health also threatens the expectant mother - she develops anemia, as a result of weakness and fatigue.

For the future father, the lack of B9 is fraught with the appearance of low-quality spermatozoa that will not be able to participate in fertilization. A sufficient amount of this substance in the body of both parents will speed up conception and significantly increase the chance of having a completely healthy baby.

According to doctors, the daily intake of folic acid for women is very important and must be strictly observed, because. the correct dose directly affects its effectiveness and achievement of the best results.

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin B9 that can only be ingested through food or drugs.

For health, it plays an important role:

fights many diseases
supports immunity,
participates in the processes of rejuvenation.

Why does a person need folic acid: what is its use ^

Folic acid is an essential vitamin B9 involved in many processes, from blood formation to the functioning of the immune system. It is available in the form of tablets or capsules, and is also present in some plant and animal foods.

Benefits of folic acid for women

For the fair sex, vitamin B9 is usually prescribed in preparation for pregnancy or during menopause.

According to doctors, it has a beneficial effect on the reproductive organs, and it is necessary to start taking acid 3 months before the intended conception, because. it is not able to accumulate in the body in sufficient quantities.

Also, folic acid is very useful in the first trimester of pregnancy:

participates in the formation of the neural tube of the fetus,
improves intrauterine development,
further participates in the growth of muscles and other tissues of the child.

In general, the benefits of folic acid for women and men are as follows:

Strengthens the immune system, prevents the development of many diseases;
Reduces the likelihood of developing thrombosis, cardiovascular diseases;
Prevents migraines, has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system;
Normalizes the synthesis of red blood cells, prevents the development of anemia;
Stabilizes the work of the digestive tract;
Stimulates metabolism;
Reduces the risk of developing oncology;
Prevents hair loss, rejuvenates the skin;
Normalizes the hormonal background;
Reduces the negative effect of menopause;
Improves the flow of oxygen into the blood.

Most often observed in those who have difficulty digesting protein foods or consume only thermally processed vegetables. After boiling or baking, they lose up to 90% of this substance, so it is recommended to eat them raw.

Folic acid: daily value for women ^

Indications and contraindications for taking folic acid

According to the instructions, it is recommended to use folic acid as a dietary supplement in the following cases:

Anemia, lack of vitamin B9;
Avitaminosis and hypovitaminosis;
tropical diarrhea;
Taking antiepileptic drugs;
Gastroenteritis;
Tuberculosis of the intestine.

Allergy to vitamin B9 or excipients contained in the preparation;
Fructosemia;
Anemia due to lack of vitamin B12;
Isomaltase or sucrose deficiency.

Daily dose of folic acid for women and men

In most cases, it is possible to compensate for the lack of folic acid with the help of products containing it:

carrots, tomatoes, beets;
legumes, cereals;
dill, onion, spinach, parsley;
bananas, nuts, pumpkins,
tuna,
eggs, cheese, milk,
liver, chicken, beef.

If it is not possible to achieve the desired result, after consultation with the doctor, you should start taking folic acid tablets according to the following approximate scheme:

For the treatment of vitamin deficiency - 5 mg of the drug per day for 1 month;
For the prevention of hypo- and beriberi - from 20 to 50 mcg per day.
Also, the rate of folic acid per day for women depends on the situation: pregnant women are recommended 400-600 mcg, and nursing mothers - 500-800 mcg per day.

The order of taking the drug directly depends on the dosage, but it is usually recommended to drink it half an hour after eating 1-3 capsules or tablets. For pregnant women, there are special vitamin complexes with vitamin B9, and when taking them, you should follow the separate instructions that come with the dietary supplement.

Conclusions, reviews of doctors and results of application ^

Proper intake of folic acid in accordance with the scheme helps to achieve positive results for the whole body:

Hair stops falling out, skin condition improves;
The symptoms of diseases in which vitamin B9 is indicated are mitigated;
The metabolism is accelerated, as a result of which it becomes easier to reduce weight;
The functioning of the digestive tract is stabilized.