Folic (pteroylglutamic) acid is another name for the water-soluble, vital compound B9 (BC), which scientists refer to as the "mood vitamin." This is due to the fact that folacin is necessary for the production of hormones "happiness", providing an excellent psycho-emotional state.

Considering the fact that the substance is contained in a significant amount in the leaves of plants, it acquired its name from the word "folium", which means "leaf" in Latin.

The structural formula of vitamin B9 (M) is C19H19N7O6.

Folic acid is involved in the synthesis of DNA, hemoglobin, metabolic processes, hematopoiesis, maintaining immunity, and affects conception.

The compound plays an important role for pregnant women, influencing the formation of the neural tube of the fetus and placenta, preventing the development of its defects.

Lack of substance can lead to the appearance of serious deviations in the baby's nervous system from the second week of the "interesting" situation. Often during this period, women still do not know about the conception of a child, while the B9 deficiency in the mother's body negatively affects the development of the fetus.

Scientists have proven that pteroylglutamic acid is involved in DNA replication. Its lack in a growing body increases the risk of oncology, the occurrence of congenital abnormalities of mental activity. Therefore, when planning pregnancy, a woman should regularly, half a year before conception, take daily 200 milligrams of a substance of natural (with food) or synthetic (in tablets) origin.

The systematic intake of folic acid for 9 months in the mother's body reduces the likelihood of preterm birth by 35%.

Healthy intestinal microflora is able to synthesize some amount of vitamin B5 on its own.

Historical background

The discovery of folic acid is associated with the search for a method for the treatment of megaloblastic anemias.

In 1931, scientists discovered that the addition of liver extracts to the patient's diet helps to eliminate the symptoms of the disease. In subsequent years of research, it was recorded that a condition similar to macrocytic anemia progresses in chimpanzees and chickens when fed with refined food. At the same time, the pathological manifestations of the disease could be eradicated by adding alfalfa leaves, yeast, and liver extracts to the feed. It was clear that these products contain an unknown factor, the deficiency of which, in the body of experimental animals, leads to a violation of hematopoiesis.

As a result of three years of numerous attempts to obtain the active principle in its pure form, in 1941, scientists isolated substances of the same nature from spinach leaves, yeast extract, liver, which they named: folic acid, vitamin bc, factor U. Over time, it turned out that the obtained compounds are identical to each other. friend.

The period from the discovery of folacin to its isolation in its pure form is characterized by intensive studies of the compound, starting with the study of its structure, synthesis, and ending with the determination of coenzyme functions, metabolic processes in which the substance takes part.

Chemical and physical properties

The composition of the molecule of the vitamin B9 compound:

• P-aminobenzoic acid;
• derivative of pteridine;
• L-glutamic acid.

Due to the fact that the term "pteroylglutamic acid" denotes a wide group of compounds, this caused some inconvenience in the course of research, since not all categories of substances presented biological activity for living organisms, in particular for humans. Therefore, scientists have decided to concretize the concepts. So, the set of compounds that contains the nucleus of pteroic acid, the committee of the International Society assigned the name "folates", and substances with the biological activity of tetrahydropteroylglutamic acid - the term "folacin".

Thus, the concepts of "folic" and "pteroylglutamine" group are synonyms. At the same time, folate is the chemical name of the "related" compounds to vitamin B9.

Folic acid is a yellow fine-crystalline powder that has no taste or smell. When heated, the leaves of the compound slowly darken, but do not melt, a further increase in temperature to 250 degrees leads to their charring.

Vitamin B9 decomposes quickly in light. At a temperature of 100 degrees, 50 milligrams of a substance dissolves in 100 milliliters of water, at zero - one unit. Folacin is easily decomposed in caustic alkalis, poorly - in dilute hydrochloric, acetic acids, ether, chloroform, alcohol, acetone, benzene, organic solvents. Silver, zinc, lead salts of vitamin B9 are insoluble in water.

Folacin is well adsorbed by fuller's earth and activated carbon.

The role of vitamin B9 in the human body

Consider how folic acid is useful:

1. Participates in the production of red blood cells, namely, in the export of carbon for the synthesis of protein in hemoglobin.
2. Stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
3. Ensures the correct functioning of the nervous system (regulates the transmission of impulses, inhibition / excitation processes), brain, spinal cord. Part of the cerebrospinal fluid.
4. Takes part in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, nucleic acids, as well as in the formation of purines, in particular, cell nuclei.
5. Stabilizes the emotional background. Folic acid affects the level of production of norepinephrine and serotonin, reduces the negative effects of stress, improves mood, and helps to get rid of postpartum depression.
6. Smoothes climacteric disorders.
7. Reduces the risk of premature birth.
8. It has a beneficial effect on the digestive system, liver health, and leukocyte functionality.
9. Reduces chromosomal defects in sperm, enhances the activity of male germ cells.
10. Essential for women and men to improve fertility. Systematic intake of foods high in vitamin compounds helps to avoid impairment of reproductive function.
11. Reduces the risk of developing heart disease, blood vessels, metabolic syndrome in a child. However, in the presence of heart pathologies, uncontrolled intake of vitamin B9 can lead to the onset of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris.
12. Regulates the concentration of homocysteine, thereby reducing the risk of stroke. A daily intake of 5 milligrams of folacin, as a dietary supplement, has a preventive effect on the body.
13. Reduces the likelihood of colorectal cancer. However, as a result of a large-scale screening of the disease, scientists have found that it is impossible to use the compound for the prevention of breast cancer, since folates have a negative effect on the development of modified breast cells. Vitamin B9 plays an important role for men, regular consumption of a useful compound reduces the risk by 4 times. development of prostate cancer.
14. Reduces "bad" serum cholesterol.
15. Normalizes blood pressure.
16. Supports the immune system, increases the number of leukocytes.
17. Improves memory, assimilation of B vitamins.
18. Improves performance.
19. Delays the onset of menopause, which is especially important for women.
20. Accelerates mental activity.

In addition, do not forget about the importance of folic acid for conceiving and carrying a healthy child. Regular intake of nutrients at the planning stages (200 micrograms per day) and during pregnancy (300 - 400 micrograms per day) reduces the risk of developing congenital abnormalities in the embryo by 70%.

Vitamin B9 is a real panacea in cosmetology. It helps with acne, hair loss, serves as a universal remedy for evening skin tone, removing pigmentation, red spots.

In the case of a lack of vitamin B9, the human body loses the ability to transfer a useful nutrient to the brain, which leads to problems with vision, movements, coordination, and convulsions begin. At the same time, in adults, the risk of anemia, glossitis, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, gingivitis, osteoporosis, neuritis, atherosclerosis, early menopause (in women), stroke, heart attack and even cancer increases by 5 times.

A lack of connection in pregnant women can harm the baby. In particular, there is a risk of giving birth to a premature baby with low birth weight with impaired development of the nervous system.

A chronic lack of a compound in the body of children leads to a slowdown in general development, in adolescents - to a delay in puberty.

Typical symptoms of vitamin B9 deficiency in the body:

• forgetfulness;
• irritability due to insufficient production of serotonin and norepinephrine;
• headaches;
• confusion of consciousness;
• diarrhea;
• depression;
• loss of appetite;
• apathy;
• high blood pressure;
• fatigue;
• insomnia;
• labored breathing;
• red tongue;
• graying;
• decreased cognitive function;
• anxiety;
• inability to concentrate;
• memory problems;
• digestive disorders due to insufficient production of hydrochloric acid;
• hair loss;
• lamination of the nail plate;
• pallor, due to a decrease in hemoglobin, which "falls" as a result of insufficient transport of oxygen to peripheral tissues, organs;
• weakness;
• lack of muscle mass occurs due to poor absorption of proteins, due to low acidity of the stomach.

Folic acid hypovitaminosis is often observed in people with intestinal diseases, in whom the absorption of nutrients is difficult. In addition, during pregnancy, breastfeeding, the need for the substance increases by 1.5 - 2 times.

The lack of vitamin B9 is exacerbated by alcohol, which interferes with folate metabolism, preventing the transport of the compound to its destination (to tissues).

Folic acid levels in the human body are diagnosed by testing. 3 micrograms of folate in a liter of serum indicates a lack of vitamin and the need to replenish the reserves of a useful compound.

Often, the signs of vitamin B9 deficiency in the body are identical. To distinguish between deficiencies in one compound and another, methylmalonic acid (MMC) levels should be measured. An increased value indicates a lack of B12 in the body, normal (within normal limits) indicates a lack of folic acid.

How much vitamin B9 to drink to make up for the lack of a compound?

The therapeutic daily dose of folic acid depends on the severity of the symptoms and the presence of side diseases caused by the deficiency of the substance. For the correct establishment of the norm, you should undergo an examination and seek help from a doctor.

Typically, vitamin B9 intake for medicinal purposes ranges from 400 to 1000 micrograms per day.

With megaloblastic anemia, treatment should also begin by checking the level of B9, B12 in the body. This is because when cyanocobalamin is deficient, folic acid supplementation can not only relieve symptoms of the disease, but also worsen existing neurological problems.

In 80% of cases, the lack of a useful compound is experienced by people with an active lifestyle, sunbathers, patients with celiac disease and obesity, with a body mass index over 50. In addition, a B12 deficiency can lead to a lack of folate, which increases homocysteine \u200b\u200blevels, creating a fertile ground for development of heart, vascular diseases.

Lack of folate contributes to changes in the bone marrow, peripheral blood.

Let's consider the process of development of these pathologies in detail.

Changes in peripheral blood and bone marrow

A characteristic sign of the appearance of megaloblastic anemia at an early stage is the formation of hypersegmented multinucleated leukocytes in the blood: basophils, eosinophils, neutrophils.

As a result of the experiment, after transferring a person to a deficient diet with folate deficiency, after 7 weeks, the subject developed a Pelgera-Huet anomaly. Namely, an increase in the number of strands (threads) connecting the segments of the nucleus. Normally, this indicator is equal to one, in megaloblastic neutrophils - two or three.

In addition, pernicious anemia is accompanied by a sharp decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood, and macrocytosis appears in the later stages of the development of the disease.

There are cases when iron deficiency is combined with a lack of folate in the body; in this situation, abnormally large red blood cells in the peripheral blood may not be present. The only characteristic indicators of combined anemia (iron deficiency and folic acid) are increased metamyelocytosis in the bone marrow, hypersegmentation. Severe stages of folate deficiency can lead to thrombocytopenia and leukopenia.

Typical forms of megaloblastic changes in the bone marrow are manifested in 3 germs: megakaryocytic, myeloid, erythrocytic. Often in patients, deviations affect all stages of maturation. At the same time, the main change in the vigorous forms of the erythrocyte series is a clearer identification of chromatin.

A relatively low number of megaloblasts is considered a typical sign of manifestation of megaloblastic anemia. With a combination of folate deficiency and a violation of hemoglobin synthesis, bone marrow cells may not have changes characteristic of megaloblasts.

Folic acid overdose

Vitamin B9 has a low risk of toxicity; excess of the compound is excreted in the urine. However, the systematic intake of high doses of the substance (1000 or more micrograms per day) masks the effects of anemia, which, like any disease, is best detected in the early stages of formation.

Consider what side effects hypervitaminosis causes in adults:

1. Hyperplasia of renal epithelial cells, hypertrophy.
2. Increased CNS excitability.
3. Decrease in the concentration of cyanocobalamin in the blood (in the case of long-term intake of large doses of pteroylglutamic acid).
4. Dispersion.
5. Sleep disorder.
6. Anorexia.
7. Disorders of the digestive system (bowel disorder).

An overdose of vitamin B9 in pregnant women can lead to asthma in the newborn.

Long-term use of folic acid in excess of 500 micrograms per day lowers the concentration of B12 in the blood, so an excess of one compound causes a deficiency in the other.

Indications for appointment and contraindications

Consider why drinking vitamin B9:

1. For the prevention of anemia.
2. In case of taking bactericidal, contraceptive, diuretic, anticonvulsant, analgesics, erythropoietin, sulfasalazine, estrogens.
3. For weight loss.
4. In order to stimulate the growth of red blood cells.
5. In case of poisoning with methyl alcohol, alcohol.
6. During lactation.
7. For depression, Crohn's disease, mental disorders.
8. During pregnancy. Often among women, the question arises: how long to drink folic acid. Doctors recommend using the compound throughout the entire period of pregnancy, in order to prevent the development of neural tube defects in an infant.
9. With psoriasis.
10. Newborns with low weight (up to two kilograms).
11. In the case of the development of hypo- and vitamin B9 deficiency, hemodialysis, gastrectomy, intermittent fever of gastrointestinal diseases (liver failure, persistent diarrhea, celiac disease, alcoholic cirrhosis, malabsorption syndrome, tropical sprue).
12. During intense workouts (especially bodybuilding).
13. With an unbalanced diet.
14. For hair strengthening.

Contraindications to the use of pteroylglutamic acid:

• malignant neoplasms;
• cobalamin deficiency;
• hemosiderosis, hemochromatosis;
• hypersensitivity (allergy) to the drug;
• pernicious anemia.

How much vitamin B9 should you consume per day?

If it is necessary to include folic acid in the diet of children under 3 years of age, the compound should be administered carefully in small doses. According to the conclusion of the FAO / WHO expert group, the daily allowance for a child from birth to 6 months is 40 micrograms, 7 - 12 months - 50 units, from 1 to 3 years - 70, from 4 to 12 years - 100. From 13 years, the dose for a teenager and an adult is 200 micrograms a day.

However, it should be borne in mind that the daily rate of folic acid is purely individual. The minimum dose for an adult is 200 milligrams, the maximum - 500. During pregnancy, this figure rises to 400 units, during breastfeeding - up to 300.

Folic acid can be included in a multivitamin complex or produced separately. Synthetic forms of vitamin B9 are 2 times more active than natural ones.

What is the difference between “medicinal” and “natural” folate from foods?

Interestingly, higher plants and most microorganisms are capable of synthesizing folates, while these compounds are not formed in the tissues of birds and mammals. An insignificant part of pteroylmonoglutamic acid is found in plant and animal cells. The main amount of folates in them is part of conjugates (di-, tri-, polyglutamates), which have additional molecules of glutamic acid. They, in turn, are united by a strong amide bond, like a peptide bond.

In bacteria, the predominant form of folate is pteroyltriglutamic acid, which contains 3 glutamate molecules; in yeast, it is a complex with 6 particles called heptaglutamate.

Often, the “bound” folacin included in food products is represented by polyglutamates, while the “free” group (casei mono-, di- and triglutamates) is no more than 30%.

What foods contain folic acid

Product name	Vitamin B9 content in micrograms (per 100 grams)
Mung beans	625
Cranberry beans	604
Dried agar	580
Chickpea	557
Yeast	550
Dried mint curly	530
	479
Pink beans	463
Dried soybeans	375
Dried basil	310
Wheat germ	281
Peas	274
Dried coriander (cilantro)	274
Dried marjoram	274
Dried thyme (thyme)	274
Ground sage	274
Tarragon (tarragon) dried	274
Green asparagus	262
Beef liver	253
Peanut	240
Chicken liver	240
Oregano (oregano), dried	237
Sunflower seeds	227
Pork liver	225
Soy protein	200
Spinach	194
Turnip leaves	194
Mustard leaves	187
Bay leaf	180
Dried parsley	180
Laminaria (seaweed)	180
Wheat bran bread	161
Rye toast	148
Chicken yolk	146
Frozen artichoke	126
Oat bran bread	120
Parsley (fresh)	117
Hazelnut / Hazelnut	113
Cod liver	110
Beets (raw)	109
Sesame	105
Walnut	98
Wild rice (tsitsaniya)	95
Dried spirulina	94
Flax seeds	87
Cow kidney	83
Avocado	81
Beets (boiled)	80
Rice bran	63
Cocoa powder	45
Boiled chicken egg	44
Oyster mushroom	38
Garnet	38
Brynza	35
Watermelon	35
Chees Feta	32
Powdered milk	30
Orange	30
Buckwheat	28
Salmon	27
Champignon	25
Blackberry	25
Pomegranate juice	25
Kiwi	25
Strawberry	25
Pearl barley	24
Corn	24
Cauliflower	23
Raspberries	21
Banana	20
Jerusalem artichoke	18,5
Eggplant	18,5
A pineapple	18
Honey	15
Tomatoes	11
Lemon	9
Bulb onions	9
Potatoes	8
Milk	5

The list of foods that contain vitamin B9 is useful for compiling a balanced daily diet that provides the body with the necessary amount of nutrients.

In the process of laying out the menu, important nuances should be considered:

• when cooking vegetables, meat, 80 - 90% of folates are destroyed;
• when grinding grains - 60 - 80%;
• when frying offal, meat - 95%;
• when freezing fruits, vegetables - 20 - 70%;
• when boiling eggs - 50%;
• when canning vegetables - 60 - 85%;
• when pasteurizing, boiling fresh milk - 100%.

Thus, culinary processing of foods high in folic acid leads to partial or complete loss of the beneficial compound. To enrich the diet with vitamin B9, greens, vegetables, fruits should be eaten raw .. In addition, in the winter season, it is recommended to feed the body with food supplements, vitamin complexes, which include a daily dose of folates.

In order for the intestinal flora to synthesize B9 better, it is recommended to consume yogurt, biokefir, preparations with bifidobacteria daily.

Let's take a closer look at the description of folate absorption.

In observations of people and experiments on animals, it has been established that vitamin B9 taken per os (orally) is almost completely absorbed in the body as quickly as possible. With the introduction of 40 micrograms of labeled pteroylglutamic acid per kilogram of body weight, the level of absorption of the substance in 5 hours reaches 98.5% of the administered dose. 50% of the absorbed amount is excreted in the urine a day after receiving the drug.

Folic acid is absorbed in the proximal small intestine and duodenum.

Of particular interest is the process of absorption of dietary folates, which are mainly contained in the form of polyglutamates, produced by them (methyl, formyl).

Monoglutamates are easily absorbed in the body. At the same time, polyglutamates are absorbed, produced in the intestine (conjugase, gamma-glutamyl carboxypeptidase) only after the elimination of excess glutamic acid.

In the intestine, B9 is first reduced to tetrahydrofolic acid (THFA) under the influence of dihydrofolate reductase, then methylated. In some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (malabsorption syndrome, children's non-infectious diarrhea, sprue, idiopathic steatorrhea), folate absorption is impaired. This leads to non-assimilation of the substance, the development of folic deficiency, which in consequence can lead to a decrease in enzyme-forming, juice-secreting functions, and destruction of the intestinal epithelium.

In the process of studying the absorption of tetrahydrofolic acid derivatives (formyl and methyl), the following was established: N-methyl-THPA is absorbed by simple diffusion without changing during the absorption process. When N-formyl-THFA (folinic) acid enters the human body, during absorption it is almost completely converted into methyltetrahydrofolate in the intestine.

After absorption, folates enter the gland of external secretion - the liver, where they gradually accumulate, are transformed into active forms. The human body contains about 7 - 12 milligrams of this compound. At the same time, 5-7 units of them are concentrated directly in the liver. Some of the folates are polyglutamates, of which more than 50% of folic acid derivatives are presented in the form of methyltetrahydrofolic acid. Scientists refer to it as a reserve form of B9 of the liver.

Studies have shown that when pteroylglutamic acid is added to the diet of animals, the amount of folate in the gland increases significantly. Liver folacin, unlike other tissue derivatives, is very labile. The accumulated reserves of folates in the gland are able to fill the lack of a useful compound in the body for 4 months, preventing the development of anemia. In addition, the human body (intestinal mucosa, kidneys) contains a certain reserve of vitamin B9.

The amount of folate in the liver is 4 times higher than in the urinary organs. However, its ability to accumulate and consume a useful compound directly depends on the provision of the body with vitamins, amino acids, and proteins. For example, as a result of an experiment carried out on rats, scientists found that a deficiency of cyanocobalamin (B12), methionine, biotin in the diet leads to a decrease in folates, especially polyglutamates, as well as the ability to convert them into THFA.

Do not underestimate the important properties of the liver in the exchange of folic acid derivatives. The functional state of the organ affects the level of folate assimilation, the course of reactions with the participation of vitamin B9 coenzymes. Fatty infiltration, cirrhosis of the liver disrupt its ability to accumulate and consume the compound. Often as a result of such lesions, a serious disease develops - megaloblastic anemia.

From the human body, processed residues of folic acid are excreted with urine and feces. At the same time, the amount of folate in the urine, in most cases, does not correspond to their intake with food. Namely, more is withdrawn than is received.

The best means of preventing folate deficiency is nutrition with the inclusion of fresh vegetables and fruits in the daily menu. In case of a lack of folate in the diet, it is recommended to consume an additional 150-200 micrograms of the vitamin daily.

If pteroylglutamic acid deficiency is caused by impaired absorption of the vitamin, due to gastrointestinal disease, the amount of the compound should be increased to 500 - 1000 units per day. Oftentimes, this dose will ensure that the required level of the drug is absorbed. An example of this kind of shortage is a severe disease of sprue (non-tropical, tropical), in which the absorption of nutrients sharply worsens, and atrophy of the mucous membrane of the small intestine develops. The introduction of folic acid into the patient's diet has a positive therapeutic effect, which improves the clinical picture, alleviates the person's condition.

With complete gastrectomy and atrophy of the gastric mucosa, megaloblastic anemia is observed, due to a deficiency of cyanocobalamin rather than folate. A daily intake of 200-500 micrograms of B9, in combination with a single intramuscular injection of 300-500 micrograms of B12, has a beneficial therapeutic effect. To eliminate megaloblastic anemia, which has arisen against the background of alcohol intoxication, pregnancy, infection, the patient is prescribed an increased dose of folic acid - from 500 to 1000 micrograms per day.

During the treatment of leukemia with vitamin B9 antagonists, there is a violation of folate absorption. These substances block the conversion of the useful compound into the active tetrahydroform. As a result, prolonged use of drugs causes serious complications and poses a potential threat to human life. For the treatment of patients, active forms of folate are used: injections of N5-formyl-THFK (300 micrograms per day). In case of violation of the formation of the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, it is recommended to use folinic acid.

Consider how to drink folic acid for specific diseases (indications for use):

1. Aphthous stomatitis. A deficiency in the body of micronutrients, vitamins (iron, B9, B12) involved in hematopoiesis, leads to the formation of cracks in the lips and ulcers on the oral mucosa (aphthae). To eliminate the disease, it is recommended to take 3 times a day 500 micrograms of folic acid and 1000 units of iron glycinate. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and varies from 120 to 180 days. During this period, once a month, the patient should be injected with 100 micrograms of cyanocobalamin. During treatment, it is important to monitor the level of vitamin B12 in the blood.
2. Atherosclerosis. A daily intake of 500 micrograms of folic acid for 14 days (with a further transition to 100 units) binds "bad" cholesterol in the intestine, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, converts, which is part of homocysteine, into methionine, preventing hardening of the body's arteries. Compliance with a diet, refusal to take alcoholic beverages, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular use of folates, as part of the B group vitamin complex, leads to an improvement in the patient's well-being and complete recovery.
3. Gingivitis and periodontitis. To relieve gum disease, folic acid should be taken orally at 100 micrograms per day. At the same time, the treatment should be supplemented with daily rinsing of the mouth with 1% vitamin solution in the morning and in the evening. The course of therapy is 2 months.
4. Viral hepatitis. Vitamin M (B9), in the treatment of liver tissue inflammation, is used as an adjunct. The recommended maintenance dose for the first 10 days of therapy is 1500 micrograms per day (500 units in the morning, at lunchtime, in the evening), then it is reduced to a single dose of 500 units in the afternoon.
5. Osteochondrosis. Folate takes part in the formation of the collagen scaffold, which, in turn, accumulates calcium salts. Without a "glue" substance, the bone does not gain the required strength. The use of vitamin B9 enhances the effectiveness of the main active ingredients (central muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics). Folate affects the generative processes occurring in the joints, creating favorable conditions for accelerated tissue regeneration. Thanks to this, the inflammatory process between the vertebrae is suppressed. How to take: before or after meals? The recommended dosage of folic acid for the treatment of osteochondrosis is 500 micrograms per day, pyridoxine - 50, B-complex vitamins (for example, neuromultivitis, pentovita) - 50. Tablets B9 is taken immediately after a meal with a small amount of water (100 milliliters).
6. Colon spasm. The characteristic symptoms of the disease are bloating, colic, alternation of constipation and diarrhea. To suppress spasms, the patient is injected with 1000 micrograms of folic acid per day. If after 2 - 3 weeks progress is not observed, for therapeutic purposes, the dose is increased to 2000 - 6000, until the patient's condition improves. After the onset of a positive effect (remission of the disease), vitamin intake is gradually reduced to 500 micrograms. Along with taking B9, you should consume B-complex vitamins at 10,000 micrograms per day. During therapy, the level of cyanocobalamin should be systematically checked.
7. Epilepsy. After the onset of a seizure, the amount of folate in the brain drops to a critical value. In addition, anticonvulsants reduce its concentration in blood plasma. As a result, B9 deficiency causes side effects - more frequent attacks. To reduce the risk of frequent seizures, experts prescribe 500 micrograms of folate per day.

Remember, regardless of the type of disease, the therapeutic dose of vitamin B9 depends on the patient's condition and is selected individually by the attending physician.

In the course of research on the beneficial properties of vitamin B9, it was revealed that the compound prevents the development of oncology. However, if the disease has already begun, it is prohibited to take the drug. Otherwise, folate spurs cancer cell division.

Instructions for using the drug in the treatment of a malignant tumor

First of all, medications are used that inhibit the activity of folic acid, in particular, methotrexate. The benefit of this drug is that it inhibits the process of tumor enlargement.

To eliminate and prevent metabolic disorders, patients are prescribed folinic acid - an analogue of vitamin B9.

Where is it kept?

The drug leucovorin is successfully used by specialists in cancer chemotherapy. The drug eliminates the severity of intoxication (damage to bone marrow tissue, vomiting, diarrhea, hyperthermia), which manifests itself after taking cytostatic drugs.

Considering the fact that the risk of developing cancer in older people is 2 - 3 times higher than in young people, it is not recommended to use folate for pensioners without a doctor's recommendation.

At the end of the 20th century, scientists in the United States conducted a number of studies to identify the relationship between the progression of colon tumors and the intake of vitamin B9. As a result of the information collected, experts came to the conclusion that in 75% of cases, cancer of the digestive system can be prevented if throughout life systematically use preventive doses of folic acid (200 - 400 micrograms per day).

Least of all, the tumor was found in people who regularly took vitamin complexes for 10 years.

Vitamin B9 and men's health

Folic acid is needed not only for children under one year old, women in order to get pregnant and bear a child, but also for men. Chronic deficiency of a nutrient in the body of the stronger sex increases the risk of developing megaloblastic anemia, as well as pathologies from the reproductive system, up to infertility. Daily intake of vitamin B9 in a therapeutic dose completely eliminates these complications.

The main indicator of male health is the state of sperm. So, for the synthesis of germ cells, nucleic acids and protein are needed. Lack of folate leads to impaired production, deterioration, and decreased concentration and motility of sperm. In addition, a deficiency of the vitamin compound can cause the formation of an incorrect number of chromosomes in the semen, which can lead to the appearance of hereditary diseases in the child (for example, Down's syndrome).

What is folic acid for in the male body?

The hormone testosterone and vitamin B9 determine the correct development of sperm. Folates play an especially important role in puberty, when an intensive process of development of sexual characteristics begins (the appearance of hair on the face, body, coarsening of the voice, intensive growth).

Interaction of folic acid and medicines

Consider the compatibility of vitamin B9 with other nutrients, medications:

1. Corticosteroid hormones flush folate out of the body. It is not recommended to take these drugs at the same time.
2. , B12 enhances the action of folic acid.
3. Nitrofuran drugs interfere with the exchange of pteroylglutamine compounds.
4. High doses of aspirin lower folate levels in the body.
5. Antimetabolites, sulfonamides, alcohol-containing drugs, antihyperlipidemic agents impair the absorption of vitamin B9.
6. Estrogen replacement therapy, taking anti-tuberculosis, antiepileptic drugs (hydantoin derivatives, barbiturates) causes a severe shortage of folates.

Thus, folic acid is a vital nutrient that acts as a starter, a controller of the synthesis of amino acids DNA, RNA and proteins, and participates in the construction of cells. The human body does not produce enough vitamin B9. Therefore, to satisfy the need for connection, he gets it from food.

Considering the fact that folates have a fast metabolism, they practically do not accumulate in the body, but are quickly excreted in sweat and urine.

The normal concentration of pteroylglutamic acid in the blood plasma is 7.0 - 39.7 nanomoles per liter. For normal intrauterine development of the fetus, the minimum level of the substance in the mother's body must be at least 10 nanomoles per liter.

To satisfy the body's daily need for vitamin, you need to saturate the diet with foods rich in B9 or additionally use folic acid preparations with a prophylactic dose of the compound. These include: Folacin, Folio, Vitrum prenatal, Materna, Elevit, Pregnavit, Multi-tabs perinatal. In the absence of a folate deficiency in the body, additional intake of the compound is not required.

Folic acid (vitamin B9) - description, instructions for use, how and how much to take when planning pregnancy and after conception, symptoms of deficiency and excess of folic acid, content in food, reviews

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Folic acid also called vitamin B 9 and is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for the normal course of hematopoiesis in the bone marrow and protein synthesis. With a deficiency of folic acid, a person develops macrocytic anemia, which in its characteristics and mechanism of development is similar to megaloblastic or pernicious anemia caused by a lack of vitamin B 12.

Folic acid enters the human body with food or is produced by the microflora in the intestines. The vitamin is absorbed into the bloodstream after preliminary transformation into a free form and delivered to the liver, bone marrow and other organs and tissues.

Folic acid - general characteristics and biological role

Folic acid gets its name from the Latin word "folium", which means "leaf", since the largest amounts of this vitamin are found in green leaves of various vegetables, such as spinach salad, etc. Besides folic acid, vitamin B 9 also includes a number of compounds. which are its derivatives and united by a common name folacin or folates... But since all compounds united by the common name "folacin" have vitamin activity and are absorbed by the body, in the further text of the article we will use the terms "vitamin B 9" and "folic acid" as synonyms, meaning all folacins.

Folic acid can enter the human body not only with food and biologically active additives, but also be produced in the upper third of the small intestine by microorganisms of normal microflora. In many cases, folic acid is produced by microorganisms of the intestinal microflora in quantities that fully satisfy the daily needs of a person. Therefore, even if folic acid is supplied with food in insufficient quantities, symptoms of its deficiency may not develop, since the lack of this vitamin is synthesized by the microflora in the intestine.

Vitamin B 9 is essential for the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow. The fact is that folic acid activates enzymes that ensure the course of biochemical reactions, during which mature erythrocytes are formed. Therefore, with a deficiency of folic acid, anemia develops.

In addition, vitamin B 9 is necessary for the synthesis of proteins and DNA, and, accordingly, for cell division of all organs and tissues. In the course of division, new cells are formed to replace dead or damaged cells. That is, folic acid provides the process of repair and replacement of dead cell elements with new ones and, thus, maintains the normal structure of all organs and tissues. In addition, folic acid ensures the normal development of the fetus, especially in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, since it is during this period that a very intensive cell division takes place, during which the laying of organs and tissues occurs.

Since the formation of new cells occurs at a different rate in different tissues, the need for folic acid in different organs is different. So, the greatest need for folic acid is experienced by tissues in which there is a frequent renewal of the cellular composition, namely the skin, mucous membranes, hair, blood, testes in men and ovaries in women, the fetus at the initial stages of pregnancy, etc. That is why, with a deficiency of folic acid acids primarily affect organs in which intensive cell division occurs.

So, with a deficiency of folic acid, defective sperm and eggs are formed, malformations are formed in the fetus, the skin becomes dry, flaky and flabby, and various diseases develop in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. This is because the cells of these organs are intensively dividing and they need folic acid for the normal course of this process.

In addition, vitamin B 9 is involved in the production of serotonin, the joy hormone that promotes normal mood and well-being. Therefore, with a lack of folic acid, a person can develop dementia (dementia), depression, neuroses and some other disorders of the brain functions.

Also folic acid is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses. Therefore, with a deficiency of folic acid, neuritis and polyneuritis can develop.

Folic acid - application

Folic acid in planning pregnancy

Folic acid is the only vitamin that all pregnant women must take for at least 12 weeks, since it is during this period that the nervous system develops and other organs and tissues of the fetus are laid, for which folacin is needed. However, folic acid is recommended to be taken already at the planning stage, without waiting for the onset of pregnancy, in order to create a normal concentration of this vitamin in the tissues. In this case, by the time of pregnancy, the woman is guaranteed to have no folic acid deficiency, which can be critical for the growth and development of the fetus, as well as the course of pregnancy.

When planning a pregnancy it is recommended to start taking folic acid 3 to 4 months before the intended conception so that by the time the ovum is attached to the wall of the uterus in the woman's body there is no deficiency of this vitamin. When the test results indicate conception, folic acid intake must be continued until at least the 12th week of pregnancy ... After this gestational age, folic acid intake can be canceled or continued at the request of the woman if she does not have a deficiency of this vitamin. If there are signs of folic acid deficiency, then it must be taken before delivery in an individual dosage prescribed by a doctor. In addition, if a woman who does not suffer from a folate deficiency is willing and able to take folic acid after 12 weeks of pregnancy, she can also do it until the very birth. Moreover, doctors and scientists consider it desirable to take folic acid during the planning stage and after the 12th week of gestation before delivery. And doctors consider taking folic acid from the beginning to the 12th week of pregnancy as mandatory.

The importance of using folic acid at the planning stage and during pregnancy is due to the fact that this vitamin is critically needed for the rapid cell multiplication that occurs during the growth of the embryo. With a deficiency of this vitamin, malformations of the nervous system are formed, and an increased risk of miscarriages, placental abruption, intrauterine fetal death, etc. appears. So, it was found out that taking folic acid in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy prevents malformations of the nervous system in the fetus by 70%.

In addition, folacin prevents miscarriages, spontaneous abortions, miscarriage, placental abruption and other complications of pregnancy, which are especially dangerous in its early stages, since it almost inevitably leads to the death of the fetus.

At the stage of pregnancy planning in most countries, including the CIS, doctors recommend taking 400 mcg of folic acid per day for women who have not previously had cases of birth or miscarriage of fetuses with neural tube defects. If a woman has had cases of miscarriages or the birth of fetuses with neural tube malformations, or she is taking antiepileptic drugs or cytostatics, then the dosage of folic acid at the planning stage of pregnancy should be increased to 800 - 4000 mcg per day. The exact dosage is determined individually by the doctor. After pregnancy, women should take folic acid at the same dosage as during the planning phase, until the 12th week of gestation.

Folic acid during pregnancy

Iron and folic acid are the only substances that have been shown to improve the outcome and course of pregnancy in all women. That is why the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all pregnant women take folic acid and iron without fail.

Vitamins with folic acid must be taken from the beginning of pregnancy and up to the 12th week of gestation, inclusive. This means that as soon as a woman finds out she is pregnant, she should start taking folic acid on the same day. If vitamin B 9 was taken before pregnancy at the planning stage, then after conception it is necessary to continue taking it in the same dosage up to and including the 12th week of gestation.

Starting from the 13th week of gestation, folic acid must be taken by pregnant women who are deficient in this vitamin or who are taking medications that reduce its absorption, such as antiepileptic and antimalarial drugs, as well as cytostatics. All other women, starting from the 13th week of gestation, are advised to continue taking folic acid until delivery, but this is optional, but desirable.

If from the second trimester a woman begins to take multivitamin complexes for pregnant women, then you do not need to additionally drink folic acid, since this vitamin is part of all modern multivitamins. If these vitamin complexes are not taken during the entire pregnancy, then at times when a woman does not use them, it is advisable to drink folic acid separately.

During pregnancy, folic acid is recommended to be taken at a dosage of 400 mcg per day for women who have not previously had cases of birth or miscarriage of children with neural tube defects. If a woman in the past has had cases of childbirth or spontaneous abortions by a fetus with neural tube defects, then she should take folic acid at a dosage of 1000 - 4000 mcg (1 - 4 mg) per day. In addition, the dosage of folic acid should be increased to 800 - 4000 mcg for pregnant women who are taking antiepileptic, antimalarial or cytostatic drugs. In these cases, the dosage of the vitamin is set individually by the doctor.

The intake of folic acid by pregnant women is mandatory, since this vitamin is very important for the normal course of pregnancy, as well as the growth and development of the fetus. So, the lack of folic acid is one of the main triggering factors that provoke miscarriage, spontaneous miscarriage, placental abruption, intrauterine fetal death, as well as the formation of neural tube defects in a child. If neural tube malformations were formed at an early stage of pregnancy (up to 8-9 weeks), then in almost all cases they are not compatible with life, that is, fetal death and miscarriage occur. If neural tube malformations have formed after 8-9 weeks of gestation, then this can lead to the birth of a child with hydrocephalus, cerebral hernia, etc. In addition, even if the child does not develop neural tube malformations against the background of a deficiency of folic acid in the body of a pregnant woman, then after birth he may suffer from mental retardation, psychosis, neuroses, etc.

In addition, a lack of folic acid negatively affects the course of pregnancy and the general well-being of the woman herself. So, with a deficiency of this vitamin in a pregnant woman, the risk of developing toxicosis, depression, leg pain and anemia significantly increases. A lack of folic acid in a pregnant woman's body can manifest itself with the following symptoms:

• Chronic tiredness and irritability;
• Neuroses;
• Restlessness, anxiety;
• Feeling of heaviness in the stomach;
• Memory impairment;
• Apathy;
• Dry skin and hair loss.

If a pregnant woman has four or more of the above symptoms, then this indicates that she suffers from a deficiency of folic acid. In such a situation, blood should be donated to determine the concentration of vitamin B 9 in it, according to the results of which the doctor will select the necessary therapeutic dose of folic acid, which must be taken daily until childbirth. Normally, the concentration of folic acid in the blood is 3 - 17 ng / ml. The lower the vitamin content in the blood of a pregnant woman, the higher the vitamin dosage she needs.

Folic acid dosage when planning and getting pregnant

At the planning stage of pregnancy, folic acid should be taken in a dosage of 400 mcg for women who have not previously had cases of miscarriages or the birth of children with neural tube defects. After pregnancy, these women must continue to take folic acid in the same dosage (400 mcg per day) without fail until the 12th week of gestation inclusive.

If in the past a woman has had cases of miscarriages or the birth of children with malformations of the neural tube (for example, back bifida, hydrocephalus, etc.), then at the planning stage she should take folic acid at 1000 - 4000 mcg (1 - 4 mg) per day. After the onset of pregnancy, this category of women should take folic acid in the same dosage, that is, 1000 - 4000 mcg per day. In such situations, the dosage is determined by the doctor individually.

If a woman takes any medications that reduce the absorption of folic acid (for example, antiepileptic, antimalarial, sulfonamide, antihyperlipidemic, anti-tuberculosis, cytostatics, nitrofurans, drugs with alcohol, glucocorticoids, aspirin in high doses), then at the stage of pregnancy planning she should drink folic acid 800 - 4000 mcg per day. When pregnancy occurs, this category of women should take folic acid in the same dosage as at the planning stage, that is, 800 - 4000 mcg per day.

In addition, these women need to take folic acid without fail not until the 12th week of gestation, but throughout pregnancy or during the period during which medications that impair the absorption of the vitamin are taken. That is, if medications are taken throughout pregnancy, then folic acid is taken in the indicated dosages before delivery. If at some stage of pregnancy a woman stops taking medications that impair the absorption of folic acid, then she should proceed as follows:

• If this happened before the 12th week of gestation, then it is imperative to continue taking folic acid at a dosage of 400 mcg per day until the beginning of the 13th week;
• If this happened after the 12th week, then you should either stop taking folic acid, or continue, but reduce its dosage to 400 mcg per day.

Folic acid for men

Men, like women, need folic acid for normal blood formation and functioning of the intestines and stomach, as well as for the transmission of impulses along nerve fibers. However, this is the general biological role of folic acid in the human body.

In addition, folic acid is very important for conceiving a child, both for men and women. So, it is vitamin B 9 that takes part in the process of maturation and formation of normal, non-defective, full-fledged spermatozoa in men. And therefore, taking folic acid in men increases the likelihood of conceiving a healthy child.

Recent studies have shown that taking folic acid at a dosage of 600-1000 mcg reduces the number of defective sperm with the wrong chromosome number by 20-30%, which, accordingly, prevents the birth of children with developmental defects and genetic diseases such as Down's syndrome , Shershevsky-Turner syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Kreuzfeldt-Jakob syndrome, etc.

In addition, a decrease in the number of defective sperm cells while taking folic acid increases the likelihood of conception. Thus, a man taking folic acid will be able to fertilize a woman faster and, in addition, he will give birth to healthier offspring.

That is why men are advised to include in their diet foods rich in folic acid such as liver, beef, pork, tuna, salmon, cheeses, legumes, bran, nuts, leafy vegetables, etc. In addition, men can take vitamins or dietary supplements to get enough folic acid.

Separately, it should be noted the recommendation of doctors to take folic acid preparations at a dosage of 800 mcg per day for a week after drinking a large amount of alcohol. This recommendation is aimed at replenishing the deficiency of folic acid in a man's body, which inevitably occurs after heavy alcohol consumption, since ethyl alcohol interferes with the absorption and flushes this vitamin from organs and tissues.

Folic acid for children

Since a lack of folic acid most often develops in full-term or premature infants or young children, it is necessary to be very careful to ensure that these categories of babies receive a sufficient amount of vitamin with food or dietary supplements.

Folic acid deficiency in children leads to the following negative consequences:

• Development of macrocytic anemia;
• Weight loss;
• Suppression of hematopoiesis;
• Disruption of the normal maturation process of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract and skin;
• Increased risk of developing enteritis, diaper rash and delayed psychomotor development.

In the fetus, newborns and children of the first year of life, a deficiency of folic acid develops due to a lack of this vitamin in the mother's body during pregnancy or its low content in milk formulas for artificial feeding. Natural feeding (breastfeeding) helps to quickly eliminate the deficiency of folic acid in babies, since human milk contains enough of it for the needs of a growing baby, even if the woman herself suffers from a lack of vitamin B 9.

Artificial feeding does not help to eliminate the deficiency of folic acid present in the infant, as this vitamin is destroyed when the formula is heated. In addition, artificial feeding can lead to a deficiency of folic acid in an infant who was born without it, for the same reason - the destruction of the vitamin during the heating of the formula.

Therefore, it is recommended to give vitamin B 9 at a dosage of 100 μg per day to full-term children under one year old who are on artificial feeding. Premature babies, regardless of the type of feeding, must be given folic acid at a rate of 100 mcg per day, since 2 - 3 weeks after birth, they develop a vitamin deficiency and the risk of infectious complications increases.

Folic acid (vitamin B9) when planning pregnancy: instructions for use and dosage, recommended food, advice from a geneticist - video

Folic acid instructions

General rules

Folic acid can be taken in the form of vitamins or dietary supplements (dietary supplements) to prevent or eliminate the deficiency of this vitamin in the body. To prevent folic acid deficiency, you need to take in the following cases:

• Insufficient food in quantity or quality;
• Increased need for folic acid (pregnant women, nursing mothers, premature babies, newborns who are bottle-fed);
• Decreased absorption of folic acid (for example, with alcoholism, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic diarrhea, malabsorption syndrome, sprue, taking antiepileptic drugs, drugs with trimethoprim, methotrexate, etc.);
• The presence of hypotrophy (underweight), ulcers in the oral mucosa, anemia and chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

For prophylactic purposes, folic acid is taken in a dosage of 200 - 400 mcg per day. An increase in the prophylactic dosage of folic acid up to 800 mcg per day is allowed, especially for nursing mothers and young children.

To eliminate the deficiency of folic acid, vitamin preparations and dietary supplements are taken in higher dosages than prophylactic ones. In such cases, the dosage is determined by the doctor individually and can go up to 75 - 80 mg per day. That is, the therapeutic dose of folic acid can be 200 times higher than the prophylactic dose.

Taking folic acid preparations to eliminate its deficiency in the body is necessary if the following symptoms are present:

• Megaloblastic anemia, combined with thrombocytopenia and leukopenia;
• Dry red lacquered tongue;
• Atrophic or erosive gastritis;
• Enteritis with diarrhea;
• Growth retardation in children;
• Long-term wound healing;
• Immunodeficiency;
• Exacerbation of chronic infectious diseases;
• Subfebrile body temperature, recorded for at least three weeks;
• Memory impairment;
• Irritability;
• Hostility towards others;

All of the above conditions and diseases are caused by a deficiency of folic acid, therefore, taking this vitamin contributes to their elimination, that is, recovery, improvement of the general condition, normalization of well-being and vital processes.

Moreover, folic acid in therapeutic dosages is used in the complex treatment of the following diseases:

• Enteritis;
• Diseases of the hematopoietic organs (bone marrow, spleen, liver);
• Chronic hepatitis;
• Cirrhosis of the liver;
• Atherosclerosis;
• Psoriasis;
• Depression;
• Increased anxiety;
• Dysplasia of the cervix.

Folic acid dosage

Folic acid dosage depends on whether it is taken prophylactically or curatively. For the prevention of folic acid deficiency against the background of a qualitatively and quantitatively balanced diet, it should be taken at 200 μg per day. If the diet is inadequate, then folic acid is recommended to be taken at 400 mcg per day.

To eliminate the deficiency of folic acid revealed according to the results of analyzes (the concentration in the blood is below 3 ng / ml), it should be taken in a dosage of 800 - 5000 mcg per day. In this case, the dosage is determined by the doctor individually and is adjusted based on the concentration of folic acid in the blood according to the test data. To eliminate the deficiency, folic acid in the indicated dosages must be taken within 20 - 30 days. After that, it is recommended to switch to taking folic acid in a prophylactic dosage (200 - 400 mcg per day), which can be continued for several months until the state of health is completely normalized and all deficiency symptoms disappear.

For the treatment of folate deficiency anemia, vitamin B 9 preparations should be taken at 1000 mcg per day until the blood picture and hemoglobin level normalize.

However, for the treatment of folate deficiency anemia and the elimination of vitamin B 9 deficiency in the body in people suffering from alcohol dependence, malabsorption syndrome, liver failure, liver cirrhosis, as well as those who have undergone gastric removal or are under stress, the dosage of folic acid is increased to 5000 mcg per day.

In the complex therapy of various diseases (atherosclerosis, cervical dysplasia, psoriasis, etc.), folic acid should be taken in very high dosages - from 15 to 80 mg per day (15,000 - 80,000 mcg), which are determined individually by the doctor.

How much folic acid to drink?

In prophylactic dosages , not exceeding 400 mcg per day, folic acid can be taken indefinitely.

When treating folate deficiency vitamin in therapeutic dosages must be taken within 20 - 30 days. After that, you should switch to taking folic acid in prophylactic dosages (200 - 400 mcg per day).

In the treatment of folate deficiency anemia the vitamin should be taken until the normalization of the blood picture (the disappearance of giant erythrocytes from it) and the level of hemoglobin.

When using folic acid in the complex therapy of various diseases the duration of its admission is determined by the doctor individually in each case. However, usually in such cases, folic acid in high dosages is taken for a long time.

How to take vitamin B 9?

Folic acid preparations should be taken orally, regardless of food. Tablets or capsules must be swallowed whole, without chewing, biting or crushing in other ways, but with a little water.

How much folate does a person need per day?

To fully cover the daily requirements for folic acid, children and adults should receive the following amounts of this vitamin daily:

• Newborns up to six months - 65 mcg per day;
• Children 7 - 12 months old - 85 mcg per day;
• Children 1 - 3 years old - 150 - 300 mcg per day;
• Children 4 - 8 years old - 200 - 400 mcg per day;
• Children 9 - 13 years old - 300 - 600 mcg per day;
• Children 14 - 18 years old - 400 - 800 mcg per day;
• Men and women over 19 years old - 400 - 1000 mcg per day;
• Pregnant women and lactating mothers - 600 - 1000 mcg per day.

For adults, an adequate and sufficient intake of folic acid to cover the needs of the body is 500 - 600 μg per day.

Folic acid deficiency

Folic acid deficiency is now common in the CIS countries - according to international organizations, 66 - 77% of the population suffer from a lack of this vitamin. Most often, folic acid deficiency is observed in pregnant and lactating women, the elderly and young children.

A lack of vitamin B 9 can develop for the following reasons:

1. Insufficient intake of vitamin from food (qualitatively or quantitatively inadequate diet).

2. Increased need for vitamin (pregnancy, breastfeeding, periods of intensive growth in children and adolescents, skin diseases, hemolytic anemias, etc.).

3. Poor absorption of folic acid in the intestine in various chronic diseases (for example, enteritis, chronic diarrhea, sprue, malabsorption syndrome, etc.).

4. The binding of folic acid and the deterioration of its absorption while taking certain medications, such as:

• Medicines containing alcohol;
• Pentamine;
• Triamteren;
• Pyrimethamine;
• Trimethoprim;
• Aminopterin;
• Ametoterin;
• Sulfonamides;
• Antiepileptic drugs;
• Antimalarial drugs;
• Anti-tuberculosis drugs;
• Antihyperlipidemic drugs;
• Cytostatics;
• Preparations containing nitrofurans;
• Glucocorticoids;
• Aspirin in high dosages.

Folic acid deficiency is manifested by the following symptoms:

• Megaloblastic anemia;
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count in your blood);
• Leukopenia (low white blood cell count);
• Increased levels of bilirubin in the blood;
• Cheilosis (blanching, maceration, transverse cracks and a bright red border at the junction of the lower and upper lips);
• Hunter's glossitis (dry, red, "lacquered" tongue);
• Esophagitis;
• Conjunctivitis;
• Atrophic or erosive gastritis;
• Enteritis with diarrhea;
• Steatorrhea.

In severe folate deficiency, growth retardation in children, prolonged healing are noted

Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin. She is also known as folate and vitamin B-9... Plays an important role in the process of division and creation of cells in some organs and bone marrow. A key function of folic acid is also to help build the spinal cord and nervous system of the fetus in the womb. Like other B vitamins, folate promotes energy production in the body.

In our body, coenzymes of vitamin B9 (folate) interact with one-carbon units in a variety of reactions that are vital for the metabolism of nucleic acids and amino acids. Folate is needed to keep all cells alive.

The terms folate, folate and vitamin B9 are often used synonymously. While folate is present in both food and the human body in a metabolically active form, folate is often used in vitamin supplements and fortified foods.

Other names: folic acid, folacin, folate, pteroylglutamic acid, vitamin B9, vitamin Bc, vitamin M.

Chemical formula: C 19 H 19 N 7 O 6

Vitamin B9 rich foods

Indicated approximate availability in 100 g of product:

+ 28 more foods rich in vitamin B9 ( the amount of μg in 100 g of the product is indicated):
Rucola	97	Red beans, cooked	47	Celery	36	Honey melon	19
Flaxseeds	87	Chicken egg	47	Orange	30	Kohlrabi	16
Avocado	81	Almond	44	Kiwi	25	A tomato	15
Broccoli	63	White cabbage	43	Strawberry	24	Potatoes	15
Kale	62	Mango	43	Raspberries	21	Grapefruit	13
Brussels sprouts	61	Corn	42	Banana	20	Lemon	11
Cauliflower	57	Papaya	37	Carrot	19	Bell pepper	10

Daily requirement for vitamin B9

In order to establish the daily intake of vitamin B9, the so-called “ food folate equivalent"(In English - DFE). The reason for this is the better absorption of synthetic folic acid compared to natural folate obtained from food. The PFE is calculated as follows:

• 1 microgram of folate from food equals 1 microgram of PPE
• 1 microgram of folate taken with or from food fortified equals 1.7 micrograms of PPE
• 1 microgram of folate (a synthetic dietary supplement) taken on an empty stomach equals 2 micrograms of PPE.

For example: From a meal containing 60 mcg of natural folate, the body receives 60 mcg of Dietary Equivalent. From a serving of 60 mcg of Synthetic Folic Acid Pasta, we get 60 * 1.7 \u003d 102 mcg Food Equivalent. And one 400 mcg folic acid tablet will give us 800 mcg of Food Equivalent.

In 2015, the European Scientific Committee on Nutrition established the following daily intake of vitamin B9:

Due to the fact that vitamin B9 plays a very important role in pregnancy, the daily intake for pregnant women is several times higher than the usual daily requirement. However, embryonic neural tube formation often occurs before a woman even knows she is pregnant, and it is at this point that folic acid can play a critical role. For this reason, some experts recommend regularly taking vitamin supplements that contain 400 mcg of folic acid. It is believed that even with such a dose and the use of foods containing folate, it is almost impossible to exceed the maximum safe amount of vitamin B9 per day - 1000 mcg.

Increasing the body's need for vitamin B9

Generally, severe B9 deficiency in the body is rare, however, some populations may be at risk of deficiency. These groups are:

• people with alcohol addiction: Alcohol disrupts the metabolism of folate in the body and accelerates its breakdown. In addition, people with alcoholism often have malnutrition and do not get enough vitamin B9 from food.
• women of childbearing age: Women who are fertile should take enough folic acid to avoid developing a neural tube defect in the embryo in early pregnancy.
• pregnant women: During pregnancy, vitamin B9 plays an important role in the synthesis of nucleic acid.
• people with poor digestibility: Diseases such as tropical fever, celiac disease and inflamed bowel syndrome, gastritis, may interfere with folate absorption.

Chemical and physical properties

Folic acid is a yellow crystalline substance, slightly soluble in water, but insoluble in fatty solvents. Resistant to heat only in alkaline or neutral solutions. Destroyed by sunlight. Almost or completely odorless.

Structure and shape

Dietary folates exist predominantly in the polyglutamate form (containing several glutamate residues), while folic acid, a synthetic vitamin form, is monoglutamate, which contains only one glutamate portion. In addition, natural folate is a reduced molecular weight molecule, while folic acid is completely oxidized. These chemical differences have serious implications for the bioavailability of the vitamin, with folic acid being significantly more bioavailable than naturally occurring dietary folate at equivalent intake levels.

Folic acid molecule consists of 3 units: glutamic acid, p-aminobenzoic acid and pterin. Molecular formula - C 19 H 19 N 7 O 6. The various B9 vitamins differ from each other in the amount of glutamic acid groups present. For example, folic acid contains one Lactobacillus casei fermentation factor three and a Bc conjugate-7 glutamic acid group. Conjugates (that is, compounds having more than one glutamic acid group per molecule) are ineffective in some species because these species lack the enzyme required to release the free vitamin.

Useful properties and effects on the body

The benefits of vitamin B9 for the body:

• affects the course of a healthy pregnancy and the correct development of the fetus: folic acid prevents the development of defects in the nervous system of the fetus, underweight, premature birth, and this occurs in the very early stages of pregnancy.
• antidepressant: folic acid is thought to help cope with depression and improve emotional well-being.
• helps in protein metabolism.
• acne Relief: Vitamin B9 is considered a powerful antioxidant that helps flush toxins from the body and improve skin condition.
• maintaining heart health: Consuming folic acid lowers blood homocysteine \u200b\u200blevels, which can increase the risk of heart disease. In addition, the complex of B vitamins, which includes folic acid, reduces the risk of stroke.
• reducing the risk of cancer: There is evidence that inadequate intake of folate is associated with the development of breast cancer in women.

Folic acid metabolism in the body

Folate functions as a coenzyme in nucleic acid synthesis and amino acid metabolism. Once in the body, dietary folates are hydrolyzed to the monoglutamate form in the intestines before they are absorbed by active transport substances through the mucous membrane. Before entering the bloodstream, the monoglutamate form is reduced to tetrahydrofolate (THF) and converted to methyl or formyl form. The main form of folate in plasma is 5-methyl-THF. Folic acid can also be found unchanged in the blood (unmetabolized folic acid), but it is not known if this form has any biological activity.

For folate and its coenzymes to cross cell membranes, special transporters are required. These include reduced folate transporter (RFC), proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT), and folate receptor proteins, FRα and FRβ. Folate homeostasis is supported by the ubiquitous proliferation of folate transporters, although their number and significance vary in different tissues of the body. PCFT plays an important role in folate transplantation because mutations affecting the gene coding for PCFT cause hereditary folate malabsorption. Defective PCFT also leads to impaired transport of folate to the brain. FRa and RFC are also critical for the transport of folate across the barrier between the circulatory system and the central nervous system. Folate is essential for the proper development of the embryo and fetus. The placenta is known to be responsible for the release of folate into the fetus, resulting in higher concentrations of folate in the baby than in the mother. All three types of receptors are associated with the transport of folate across the placenta during pregnancy.

Interaction with other trace elements

Cardiovascular diseases

More than 80 studies show that even mildly elevated blood homocysteine \u200b\u200blevels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The mechanism by which homocysteine \u200b\u200bmay increase the risk of vascular disease is still the subject of much research, but it may include the adverse effects of homocysteine \u200b\u200bon blood clotting, arterial vasodilation, and thickening of the artery walls. Folate-rich diets have been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, including coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction (heart attack), and stroke. A study of 1,980 men in Finland over a 10-year period found that those who ate high amounts of dietary folate had a 55% lower risk of sudden heart disease compared with those who consumed the least amount of folate. Of the three B vitamins that regulate homocysteine \u200b\u200bconcentration, folate has been shown to have the greatest effect on lowering basal concentrations, provided there is no concomitant vitamin B12 or vitamin B6 deficiency. Increasing folate intake from folate-rich foods or supplements has been found to decrease homocysteine \u200b\u200bconcentrations.

Despite controversy over the role of lowering homocysteine \u200b\u200bin the prevention of cardiovascular disease, several studies have examined the effect of folate supplementation on the development of atherosclerosis, a known risk factor for vascular disease. Although recent trials have not shown that folic acid directly protects the heart, low folate intake is a known risk factor for heart disease.

Cancer diseases

Cancer is thought to be caused by DNA damage due to an excessive amount of DNA repair processes, or by incorrect expression of key genes. Due to the important role of folate in DNA and RNA synthesis, it is possible that insufficient intake of vitamin B9 contributes to genome instability and chromosome defects that are often associated with the development of cancer. In particular, DNA replication and repair is critical to maintaining the genome, and a lack of nucleotides caused by folate deficiency can lead to genome instability and DNA mutations. Folate also controls the homocysteine \u200b\u200b/ methionine cycle and S-adenosylmethionine, a methyl donor for methylation reactions. Thus, folate deficiency can disrupt DNA and protein methylation, and alter the expression of genes involved in DNA repair, cell division and death. Global DNA hypomethylation, a typical symptom of cancer, causes genome instability and chromosomal fractures.

Consuming at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day has been associated with a decrease in cancer incidence today. Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of folate, which may play a role in their anti-carcinogenic effects.

Alzheimer's disease and dementia

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. One study found a link between increased intake of fruits and vegetables rich in folate and a reduced risk of dementia in women.

Due to its role in the synthesis of nucleic acids and providing enough methyl for methylation reactions, folate affects the normal development and function of the brain, not only during pregnancy and after birth, but also later in life. In one cross-sectional study of older women, Alzheimer's patients had significantly higher homocysteine \u200b\u200blevels and lower blood folate levels than healthy people. In addition, the scientist concluded that long-term blood folate levels, rather than recent use, are responsible for preventing dementia. A two-year, randomized, placebo-controlled study in 168 elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment found benefits of 800 mcg folate, 500 mcg vitamin B12, and 20 mg vitamin B6 daily. Atrophy of certain areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer's disease was observed in individuals of both groups, and this atrophy was correlated with cognitive decline; however, the group treated with B vitamins experienced less gray matter loss compared to the placebo group (0.5% versus 3.7%). The most beneficial effect was found in patients with higher baseline homocysteine \u200b\u200bconcentrations, suggesting the importance of lowering circulating homocysteine \u200b\u200bin the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia. Despite its promising effect, B-vitamin supplementation needs to be further explored in larger studies that evaluate long-term outcomes such as the incidence of Alzheimer's disease.

Depression

Low folate levels have been linked to depression and poor response to antidepressants. A recent study of 2,988 people between the ages of 1 and 39 in the United States found that serum and red blood cell folate concentrations were significantly lower in severely depressed individuals than in those who were never depressed. Studies in 52 men and women diagnosed with depressive disorder found that only 1 in 14 patients with low folate levels responded to antidepressant treatment, compared with 17 of 38 patients with normal folate levels.

Although supplemental folic acid has not been suggested as a replacement for traditional antidepressant therapy, it may be useful as an adjunct. In a UK study, 127 depressed patients were selected to take either 500 mcg of folate or a placebo in addition to 20 mg of fluoxetine (an antidepressant) daily for 10 weeks. Although the effects in men were not statistically significant, women who received fluoxetine plus folic acid did much better than those who received fluoxetine plus placebo. The study authors concluded that folate "may have a potential role as an adjunct to mainstream treatment for depression."

Vitamin B9 dosage forms

The most common form of folic acid is tablets. The dosage of the vitamin can be different, depending on the purpose of the drug. In vitamins for pregnant women, the most common dosage is 400 mcg, since this amount is considered sufficient for the healthy development of the fetus. Often folic acid is included in vitamin complexes, along with other B vitamins. Such complexes can be in the form of tablets, and in the form of chewing plates, soluble tablets, as well as injections.

To lower blood homocysteine \u200b\u200blevels, usually 200 mcg to 15 mg of folate is given per day. When treating depression, take 200 to 500 mcg of the vitamin per day, in addition to the main treatment. Any dosage must be prescribed by the attending physician.

Folic acid in traditional medicine

Traditional healers, like doctors in traditional medicine, recognize the importance of folic acid for women, especially pregnant women, and its role in preventing heart disease and anemia.

Folic acid is found, for example, in strawberries. Its fruits are recommended for diseases of the kidneys, liver, blood vessels and heart. Besides folate, strawberries are also rich in tannins, potassium, iron, phosphorus, and cobalt. For medicinal purposes, fruits, leaves and roots are used.

Folate, along with essential oils, vitamin C, carotene, flavonoids and tocopherol, is found in parsley seeds. The plant itself has a bile and diuretic effect, relieves spasms and cleanses the body. Infusion and decoction of seeds helps with edema, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the urinary tract. In addition, parsley infusion is prescribed for uterine bleeding.

A rich source of folic acid in folk medicine is the fruit of grapes. They contain from 65 to 85 percent of water, from 10 to 33 percent of sugar, and a large amount of useful substances - various acids, tannins, potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, cobalt, iron, vitamins B1, B2, B6, B9, A, C, K, P, PP, enzymes.

Latest scientific research on vitamin B9

• Consuming high doses of folate does not affect the risk of developing preeclampsia. It is a serious medical condition characterized by the development of abnormally high blood pressure during pregnancy and other complications. This condition is dangerous for both the mother and the child. It has previously been suggested that high doses of folate may reduce the risk of developing folate in women who are predisposed to the disease. These include those with chronic high blood pressure; women with diabetes or obesity; pregnant with twins; as well as those who have had preeclampsia in previous pregnancies. The study involved more than 2 thousand women who were pregnant between 8 and 16 weeks. It was found that taking 4 mg of folic acid daily did not affect the risk of developing the disease compared with those who took a placebo in addition to the standard 1 mg of folate (14.8% of cases and 13.5% of cases, respectively). However, doctors still recommend taking a low dose of folic acid before and during pregnancy to prevent congenital diseases.
• Irish scientists have determined that a significant number of people over 50 are deficient in vitamin B12 (1 in 8 people) and folate (1 in 7 people). Deficiency varies with lifestyle, health and nutritional status. Both vitamins are essential for the health of the nervous system, brain, red blood cell production, and DNA division. It was also found that the percentage of folate deficiency increases with age - from 14% among 50-60 year old people, to 23% in those over 80 years old. It was most often seen in smokers, obese people and those who lived alone. Vitamin B12 deficiency was more common in those who smoke (14%), live alone (14.3%), and in people from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
• British scientists insist on enriching flour and other foods with folic acid. According to the authors of the study, every day in Britain, on average, two women are forced to terminate their pregnancies due to a neural tube defect, and two babies are born with this disease every week. Britain is one of the countries where folic acid fortification is not the norm, unlike the United States and other countries. "If Britain had legalized folate fortification in 1998, as in America, about 3,000 cases of birth defects could have been avoided by 2007," says Professor Joan Morris.

Use in cosmetology

Folic acid plays a very important role in maintaining the natural beauty of the skin. It contains a concentration of antioxidants that reduce the activity of oxidative processes and neutralize free radicals present in the environment. Folic acid's skin-nurturing properties also help maintain skin hydration by strengthening the skin's barrier. This traps moisture and reduces dryness.

In cosmetics, folate products are most often included in moisturizing lotions and creams, which, when applied topically, can help improve the overall quality and appearance of the skin.

Use in animal husbandry

Folic acid deficiency has been experimentally detected in many animal species, manifested in the form of anemia by a decrease in the number of leukocytes. Mostly tissues with a high rate of cell growth or tissue regeneration are affected, such as the epithelial membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, epidermis and bone marrow. In dogs and cats, anemia is most commonly associated with folate deficiency caused by intestinal malabsorption syndromes, malnutrition, folate antagonists, or increased folate requirements due to blood loss or hemolysis. For some animals such as chickens, guinea pigs, monkeys and pigs, having enough folate in the diet is essential. In other animals, including dogs, cats, and rats, the folic acid produced by the intestinal microflora is usually sufficient to meet needs. Therefore, signs of deficiency can develop if an intestinal antiseptic is also included in the diet to inhibit bacterial growth. Folate deficiency occurs in dogs and cats, usually only with antibiotics. It is likely that most of the daily requirement for folate is met by bacterial synthesis in the intestine.

• In some countries, the name of folic acid differs from the generally accepted one. For example, in the Netherlands it is referred to as vitamin B11.
• Since 1998, folate has been fortified in the United States in foods such as bread, breakfast cereals, flour, corn products, pasta, rice, and other grains.

Contraindications and warnings

About 50-95% of folic acid is destroyed during cooking and preservation. The effects of sunlight and air are also detrimental to folate. Store foods high in folic acid in a dark vacuum container at room temperature.

Signs of a folic acid deficiency

Deficiencies in folate alone are rare and are usually combined with other nutrient deficiencies due to malnutrition, alcoholism, or absorption disorders. Symptoms commonly include weakness, trouble concentrating, irritability, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. In addition, there may be pain and ulcers on the tongue; problems with skin, hair, nails; problems in the gastrointestinal tract; high levels of homocysteine \u200b\u200bin the blood.

Signs of excess vitamin B9

In general, excess folate intake is not associated with side effects. In rare cases, very high doses of folate can harm the kidneys and cause loss of appetite. Taking large amounts of vitamin B9 can hide a vitamin B12 deficiency. The established maximum daily dose of folate for an adult is 1 mg.

Some medications affect the absorption of vitamin B9 in the body, among them:

• oral contraceptives;
• methotrexate (used in the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases);
• antiepileptic drugs (phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproate);
• sulfasalazine (used to treat ulcerative colitis).

Discovery history

Folate and its biochemical role were first discovered by British researcher Lucy Wills in 1931. In the second half of the 1920s, active research was carried out on the nature of pernicious anemia and methods of its treatment - thus vitamin B12 was discovered. Dr. Wills, however, chose to focus on a narrower subject - anemia in pregnant women. She was criticized for such a narrow approach, but the doctor did not abandon her attempts to find the cause of the severe anemia that the pregnant women of the British colonies suffered. Studies in rats were not producing the desired results, so Dr. Wills decided to conduct an experiment on primates.

Having tried many substances, and by the method of elimination, rejecting all possible hypotheses, in the end, the researcher decided to try using cheap brewer's yeast. And finally, I got the desired effect! She determined that a nutrient in yeast is essential to prevent anemia during pregnancy. Some time later, Dr. Wills included in her research attempts to consume various substances in pregnant women, and brewer's yeast again produced the desired result. In 1941, folic acid derived from spinach was first named and isolated. That is why the name folate comes from the Latin folium - leaf. And in 1943, the vitamin was obtained in pure crystalline form.

Since 1978, folic acid has been used in combination with the anticancer drug 5-Fluorouracil. First synthesized in 1957 by Dr. Charles Heidelberger, 5-FU has become an effective drug against several types of cancer, but has severe side effects. Two of the doctor's students discovered that folate can significantly lower them while increasing the effectiveness of the drug itself.

In the 1960s, scientists began to investigate the role of folic acid in preventing neural tube defects in the embryo. It has been found that vitamin B9 deficiency can have very serious consequences for a child, and that a woman usually does not get enough of the substance from food. Therefore, in many countries, it has been decided to fortify foods with folic acid. In America, for example, folate is added to many grains - bread, flour, cornstarch, pasta, and noodles - as these are the staple foods for most of the population. As a result, the incidence of neural tube defects has been reduced by 15-50% in the United States.

We have collected the most important points about vitamin B9 in this illustration and we would be grateful if you share the picture on a social network or blog, with a link to this page:

Folate. Micronutrient Information Center, Linus Pauling Institute. Oregon State University,

Nutrition's dynamic duos. Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School,

Folic Acid. Vitamins & Supplements. Web Md,

Lavrenov Vladimir Kallistratovich. Modern plant encyclopedia. OLMA Media Group. 2007 year

Pastushenkov Leonid Vasilievich. Medicinal plants. Use in folk medicine and in everyday life. BHV-Petersburg. 2012.

Lavrenova G.V., Onipko V.D.Encyclopedia of Traditional Medicine. Publishing House "Neva", St. Petersburg, 2003.

Nicholas J. Wald, Joan K. Morris, Colin Blakemore. Public health failure in the prevention of neural tube defects: time to abandon the tolerable upper intake level of folate. Public Health Reviews, 2018; 39 (1) DOI: 10.1186 / s40985-018-0079-6

Shi Wu Wen, Ruth Rennicks White, Natalie Rybak, Laura M Gaudet, Stephen Robson, William Hague, Donnette Simms-Stewart, Guillermo Carroli, Graeme Smith, William D Fraser, George Wells, Sandra T Davidge, John Kingdom, Doug Coyle, Dean Fergusson, Daniel J Corsi, Josee Champagne, Elham Sabri, Tim Ramsay, Ben Willem J Mol, Martijn A Oudijk, Mark C Walker. Effect of high dose folic acid supplementation in pregnancy on pre-eclampsia (FACT): double blind, phase III, randomized controlled, international, multicenter trial. BMJ, 2018; k3478 DOI: 10.1136 / bmj.k3478

Eamon J. Laird, Aisling M. O'Halloran, Daniel Carey, Deirdre O'Connor, Rose A. Kenny, Anne M. Molloy. Voluntary fortification is ineffective to maintain the vitamin B12 and folate status of older Irish adults: evidence from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging (TILDA). British Journal of Nutrition, 2018; 120 (01): 111 DOI: 10.1017 / S0007114518001356

Folic Acid. Properties and Metabolism,

Folic Acid. University of Rochester Medical Center. Health Encyclopedia,

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Every modern person has the idea that for the normal functioning of his body, a certain amount of vitamins and minerals is needed per day. Also well-known today is the fact that our body synthesizes some trace elements and vitamins on its own, while others can only come from the outside with one or another food consumed. That is why it is imperative to eat a healthy and balanced diet to keep you healthy.

Among all vitamins and minerals, our body needs vitamin B9 in sufficient quantities. What this vitamin is for and what role it plays in the body, you will learn from this article.

What is folic acid?

Vitamin B9 (folic acid) belongs to the water-soluble B vitamins, which play an extremely important role in the normal functioning of the body.

In a very small amount, it is synthesized in our body by the microflora of the large intestine, but the frantic rhythm of modern life, constant stress, lack of sleep and poor nutrition almost completely nullify what our body produces on its own.

Meanwhile, this substance is indispensable for the normal functioning of almost all organs and systems, therefore it is very important to balance the diet in such a way that B9 (vitamin) is supplied in the required amount with the food consumed.

Why does our body need B9?

Its benefits, indeed, are difficult to overestimate. In addition to the fact that a sufficient amount of it ensures a normal metabolism, has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system, stimulates appetite, it is also of great importance in such processes:

• in the synthesis of DNA, as well as maintaining the integrity of its structure;
• cell growth;
• the production of enzymes that prevent the appearance of neoplasms;
• in improving the functioning of the immune system;
• support of the cardiovascular system;
• in the synthesis of amino acids;
• regulation of the processes of inhibition and excitation of the nervous system.

What role does B9 play in the functioning of the female body?

B9 is a vitamin that is simply necessary for the female body. One of the main tasks performed by this vitamin is its positive effect on the formation of new cells. This, in turn, promotes healthy hair growth, strengthening nails, active regeneration of the skin of the face and the whole body. Also, this substance reduces the risk of oncological diseases of the ovaries and mammary glands.

Since in most cases women are much more emotional than the stronger sex, for many women it will be very useful to have such a property of folic acid as its participation in the production of serotonin - a substance better known as the "hormone of happiness" or "hormone of joy."

The benefits of folic acid for the male body

B9 is directly involved in the formation and growth of new cells in our body, which means that its deficiency can lead to a significant decrease in the number of active sperm. This can significantly reduce a man's ability to conceive a child.

Also, a sufficient amount of this substance reduces the risk of the formation of gene mutations in future male offspring. Lack of folic acid in adolescence is fraught with violations of the process of puberty.

Folic acid and pregnancy: what you need to know?

While carrying a baby, the female body needs folic acid much more than usual. It is especially important to get the required amount in the first trimester of pregnancy, when the entire nervous system of the future baby is developing.

It has been scientifically proven that maintaining a sufficient level of B9 in the female body a few months before pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of pathologies of intrauterine development of the child. The accepted norm for the need of a woman carrying a child in vitamin is 0.6 mg per day.

B9 is a vitamin that takes part in the process of cell division of tissues and organs of the future baby, as well as their proper development and growth. Also, the vitamin is involved in the process of hematopoiesis, it is thanks to it that leukocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets are formed.

What foods are rich in folic acid?

Folic acid earned its name from the Latin word for folicum, which means leaf. Based on this, it becomes clear that green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamin B9.

It is worth saying that it is almost completely destroyed when exposed to high temperatures, which means that thermally processed foods are unlikely to become a sufficient source of it. When choosing foods that contain a large amount of substance, it is best to give preference to those that you can eat raw: this is how vitamin B9 is best absorbed. In what products it is contained and in what quantity, you can read below (μg B9 per 100 g of product):

• asparagus - 262;
• raisins - 260;
• sunflower seeds - 240;
• beef liver - 240;
• peanuts - 240;
• soybeans - 200;
• lentils - 180;
• beans - 160;
• porcini mushrooms - 140;
• beans - 128;
• parsley - 117;
• cod liver - 110;
• flax seeds - 108;
• avocado - 90;
• spinach - 80;
• walnut - 77.

Eat as many of the listed foods as possible if you want to get enough B9 (vitamin) in your body. Foods that do not need to be thermally processed, as mentioned, will be the best source of this substance.

What vitamin complexes contain folic acid?

Today it will not be difficult to buy one or another vitamin, or their complex: each pharmacy offers the widest selection of the most modern and effective drugs. If we talk about what vitamins B9 contains, then the simplest and most affordable drug is called "Folic acid". Release form - tablets containing, as a rule, 1 mg of the substance.

If you want to purchase a complex vitamin supplement containing B9, then pay attention to the following preparations:

• Complivit;
• Foliber;
• Maltofer;
• Efalar;
• "Doppelgerts asset".

How to understand that the body lacks vitamin B9?

The lack of this substance can threaten the risk of developing many serious diseases, therefore it is very important to diagnose and fill its shortage in time. Vitamin deficiency symptoms can include:

• a decrease in hemoglobin levels, which is manifested by excessive pallor, as well as weakness;
• decreased appetite, which occurs due to insufficient production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach;
• frequent mood swings, depressive conditions;
• excessive brittleness of nails, deterioration of hair condition, as well as their loss and others.

If you have these and any other alarming symptoms, then you need to see a doctor who will carefully examine you and prescribe the necessary treatment, as well as give recommendations about nutrition.

It should be remembered that folic acid, like all other trace elements and vitamins, is necessary for the normal functioning of your body. Smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of sleep, unbalanced nutrition - all this leads not only to the destruction of B9 in the body, but also to its poor digestibility with ingestion. Therefore, in order to feel good and not complain about health, you need to eat correctly, in a balanced way, which will enable your body to receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Is it possible harm to the body from the use of vitamin B9?

The harm to our body from the described vitamin is possible only if its consumed amount significantly exceeds the norm. That is why it is very important to consult a specialist before using any preparations containing B9.

In case of an overdose, kidney problems, disruptions in the digestive tract, increased nervousness, sleep disorders and some other ailments are possible.

In conclusion, I would like to say that vitamin B9, like all others, should be ingested with healthy food. To do this, it will not be superfluous to adjust your diet in such a way that the body receives all the trace elements and vitamins it needs with food, only in this case there will be no need to take any additional drugs, and you will always feel vigorous and healthy.