Vitamin B9 (folic acid) belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins. For its beneficial properties, it was given several "popular" names - "female vitamin", "vitamin from leaves". It was isolated from spinach leaves (leaf in Latin - "folicum") by the English scientist N. Mitchell. It is partially synthesized by the intestinal microflora, the bulk of it enters the body with food.
All doctors and scientists recognize that it is vitamin B9 that is the "foundation" of the human body.
The effect of vitamin B9 (folic acid) on the body
The action of vitamin B9 is to regulate the development of new cells, chemical processes and enzyme activity. Folic acid is a participant in the synthesis of blood cells, in particular erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets, the synthesis of amino acids and RNA. This is important for the formation of the fetus and the prevention of fetal defects and premature birth. The required dosage of folic acid normalizes the metabolism and the digestive process.
It is worth remembering that vitamin B9 has the most beneficial effect only in conjunction with vitamin B12, the absence of one of them sharply limits the property and effect of the other.
With age, the functioning of the digestive tract begins to become difficult, the body is no longer able to fully block poisons and toxins that come from food and from the environment, protein assimilation becomes difficult. To eliminate these problems in the state of vitamin B9, its lack can aggravate the situation.
When exposed to folic acid, serotonin, the "hormone of joy", is released. Its lack can lead to depressive conditions, stresses that today affect young people and the working-age population. Therefore, folic acid was given another nickname - "the vitamin of good mood."
In addition to the above, immune processes, regeneration of the skin and internal tissues, and hair growth fall within its sphere of influence. So to the attention of both women and men: a lack of folic acid necessarily leads to premature hair loss and baldness. Here the result of a bad attitude towards your body will be evident!
What prevents folic acid from being absorbed?
It is not quite easy to obtain folic acid, we lose part of it during the digestion of food, part of it we destroy by taking alcohol, drugs, smoking. The ability to assimilate is significantly reduced with impaired liver function.
As we already know, vitamin B9 can be independently produced in the intestines, but which of the inhabitants of large cities today can boast of a healthy stomach? You will have to additionally consume fermented milk products, live yoghurts, complexes with bifidobacteria - they will not harm!
Heat treatment very quickly destroys the vitamin, so when cooking, try to cover the pan with a lid and not overcook. In addition, folic acid degrades when exposed to sunlight at room temperature.
Cheese and meat contain a certain substance - methionine, which promotes the consumption of folic acid in the unnecessary direction. It is for this reason, as well as due to plant-based nutrition, that vegetarians do not know problems with a lack of nutrients.
Alcohol is a terrible enemy of vitamin B6, but bifidobacteria, on the contrary, catalyze their own production. You just need to replace alcoholic cocktails with biokefir and your mood will rise, because the level of the “vitamin of good mood” will increase. But there will be no hangover. It's a shame, isn't it?
Vitamin B9 should be taken in a balanced complex with B12 and ascorbic acid. large doses of one can neutralize the effect of others.
Folic acid can also be neutralized by many drugs: aspirin, nitrofuran drugs, antiepileptic drugs (large doses of B9 can have the same effect on them), anti-tuberculosis therapy.
Daily rate
The daily intake of vitamin B9 is highly individual and depends on the circumstances. The optimal dosages for an adult are in the range of 200 mcg - minimum and 500 mcg - maximum per day, but the main condition is regularity. The minimum dose guarantees a healthy lifestyle. However, with an increase in mental and physical stress, stress or illness, you must take care of increasing the dosage. During pregnancy and during feeding of newborn children, as well as with age, the dosage should increase significantly, and the rate will be determined by a consultation with a doctor.
By the way, not only a woman should take care of the health of the unborn child. During the planning period of pregnancy, a man will absolutely not be prevented from taking additional vitamin B9.
For children, the norms depend on age:
- 0-12 months - 50 mcg;
- 1-3 years - 70 mcg;
- 4-6 years old - 100 mcg;
- 6-10 years old - 150 mcg;
- From 11 years old and more - you can give an adult dose of 200 mcg.
Sources of vitamin B9 (folic acid)
Products containing the maximum amount of the useful substance indicated above are easy to determine - they are all dark green, since time nothing new has been discovered in this regard. They should be consumed every day to improve health, including mental health, as well as to increase endurance.
The list is quite extensive, so it won't be difficult to compose the "correct" menu. Let's start in order:
An interesting fact - in the village milk contains a lot of vitamin B9, but in the store pasteurized and sterilized - not a gram.
Lack of vitamin B9 (folic acid)
Lack of vitamin B9 can cause serious damage to all functions of the human body. First of all, it will affect the growth of cells, which in turn will cause the growth of cancer cells, mental retardation in children, disrupt the work of the central nervous system and the processes of hematopoiesis.
Signs of a lack of folic acid in the body: depressed restlessness, a feeling of fear, problems with memory, digestion, anemia, "red tongue" - stomatitis in the mouth, early gray hair, problems during pregnancy.Human activity is significantly reduced. Aggression or irritability is manifested, which can later develop into mania and paranoia. It is necessary to recognize these symptoms, otherwise the deficiency of folic acid will lead to more serious complications such as nervous disorders, early menopause or problems with puberty in girls, atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.
Folic acid prevents the occurrence of skin diseases and hair problems, and therefore you understand what a deficiency can lead to!
Vitamin B9 is quickly consumed by people with active lifestyles and beach lovers under the sun. They are advised to take additional doses of folic acid in order to avoid significant deficiencies in the body.
Excess vitamin B9 (folic acid)
Hypervitaminosis is observed extremely rarely, it is unrealistic to obtain such an amount from products, therefore it is possible only when taking pharmacological forms of folic acid for several months. This leads to overexcitation, sleep disturbances and bowel disorders.
An excess of folic acid in pregnant women can manifest itself in a newborn in the form of asthma.
Indications for appointment
Indications for the appointment of vitamin B9 can be considered:
Content in pharmaceuticals
Folic acid is produced as a separate preparation, sometimes in a complex of all B vitamins. It can be a component of multivitamin preparations, where a balanced complex is assembled.
Synthetic forms of folic acid are almost 2 times more active than natural ones. 600 mcg tablets equate to 1000 mcg of a substance from food.
The discovery of vitamin B9 is inextricably linked to the fight against anemia.
In 1938, scientists isolated a complex of substances from yeast that are responsible for combating anemia and improving blood counts with its regular use. And in 1941 they managed to isolate folic acid. Chemists soon learned to synthesize it artificially.
Folic acid - water-soluble, essential for the growth and development of the circulatory and immune systems. Along with folic acid, vitamins also include its derivatives, including di-, tri-, polyglutamates and others. All such derivatives, together with folic acid, are combined under the name folacin.
Physical and chemical properties of vitamin B9
Outwardly, folic acid is a yellowish and even slightly orange crystals of a very small size, resembling a powder. It absorbs water and water vapor very well, but hardly dissolves in alcohol. Various alkalis are a good solvent for it. Vitamin B9 does not tolerate heat and long exposure to light.
In many countries, the legislation obliges producers of flour products and grains to fortify them with folic acid. During the cooking process, some folate is destroyed.
Daily requirement for vitamin B9
According to two scientific studies from 1988 and 1994, most adults consume less folate than the norm. However, in some countries, since the end of the 20th century, the mandatory fortification of foods with folic acid has led to the fact that its consumption has returned to normal.
The bioavailability of synthetic folic acid is higher than dietary folic acid. To mitigate these factors, the RDA is measured in micrograms of "dietary folate equivalent".
The table shows a more detailed daily intake of the vitamin:
Pregnant women are advised to consume 600 mcg, lactating women - 500 mcg, and everyone else - 400 mcg of folate equivalent per day. 1 mcg of natural folate consumed with food equals about 0.6 mcg of folate taken in tablet form or as a synthetic supplement in food.
Folic acid is essential for the creation and maintenance of new cells in a healthy state, therefore its presence is especially important during periods of rapid development of the body - at the stage of early intrauterine development and in early childhood. B9 significantly reduces the likelihood of premature birth and the occurrence of congenital brain defects. Also, the vitamin stabilizes the emotional background in the postpartum period and smooths out climatic disorders.
Vitamin B9 affects the growth and development of all tissues, improves the functioning of the immune system, and supports the cardiovascular system. Also participates in the synthesis of amino acids and enzymes. It has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the hematopoietic system and the functionality of leukocytes, on the health of the liver and on the digestive system as a whole. In addition, folic acid regulates the processes of excitation and inhibition of the nervous system, smoothes the consequences of stressful situations.
The harmful properties of vitamin B9
According to some scientists, dietary supplements containing vitamin B9 are the cause of malignant tumors in the mammary glands. Therefore, if a woman with breast cancer uses drugs containing folic acid, then her condition can worsen significantly.
Digestibility of vitamin B9
The degree of absorption and utilization of folic acid depends on the nature of the food and how it is prepared. The ability to assimilate is significantly reduced with impaired liver function. In order for the vitamin to be better absorbed, it is necessary to additionally consume fermented milk products, live yoghurts, complexes with bifidobacteria will be very useful.
Lack of vitamin B9 can cause serious damage to all functions of the human body.
Signs of folate deficiency:
- Suppressed restlessness;
- Feeling of fear;
- Memory problems;
- Digestive problems;
- Oral stomatitis;
- Anemia;
- Early gray hair;
- Problems during pregnancy;
- Decreased human activity;
- Irritability and aggression;
- Skin diseases;
- Hair loss.
Excess vitamin B9 in the body
An excess of vitamin B9 is rare, and it is almost impossible to get it from food, since it is impossible to eat enough to cause hypervitaminosis.
But an excess of folic acid can occur when an excessive amount of the drug is taken uncontrolled for several months. Against the background of an excess of vitamin in the body, kidney diseases, nervous irritability and digestive disorders develop.
Interaction of vitamin B9 (folic acid, vitamin M) with other substances
Taking aspirin, anticonvulsants, sulfonamides, and corticosteroid hormones leads to a decrease in the level of folic acid in the body.
The interaction of vitamin B9 with vitamins and prevents the formation of plaques in blood vessels, thereby helping to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
For more information about vitamin B9, see the video clip “Organic chemistry. Vitamin B9 "
Folic acid is a vitamin B9 that is essential for the renewal processes of all types of cells that are part of the body. Vitamin B9 is something without which it is impossible to synthesize purines necessary for the assembly of DNA - templates on which the hereditary material of each cell is recorded.
Vitamin B9 or folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin that comes with leafy greens and vegetables. Common names for vitamin B9 are bc, growth vitamin, folic acid.
Folic acid derivatives - polyglutamates, diglutamates, are also involved in metabolism, they are combined under the general name "folates". The availability of folate for absorption depends on the form of the compound in which the substance enters the body.
In the body, the active form is tetrahydrofolic acid. The function of the connection is to transfer carbohydrate fragments necessary for the synthesis of purine bases, which are consumed in the construction of DNA.
Spread
Sources of folic acid are most abundant in plant foods. When eating plant foods, the compound is supplied in sufficient quantities, and in a healthy person, its deficiency is extremely rare.
Lack of folates can occur in a young healthy person during periods of rapid growth of the body, the need for them increases 6 times during pregnancy. The reader can find out about it on a separate page of the site.
To reduce the risk of having a baby with defects in the nervous system, folate is included in all vitamin and mineral complexes for pregnant women.
For the birth of a healthy child, vitamins with folic acid begin to be taken at the stage of planning pregnancy. The need for vitamin B9 when planning pregnancy is described on the website in the article.
To calculate how much folate is needed, a “folate equivalent” or factor that is different for different types of food is used. So, the folate equivalent of plant foods is 0.6, which means that only 0.6 mg of 1 mg of folate is absorbed.
The dietary folate equivalent from synthetic vitamin preparations is lower than from leafy greens, in which vitamin B9 is contained in large quantities, and is 0.5.
Folate functions in the body
The need for folic acid increases in all processes that are accompanied by active cell division, the formation of organs and tissues. This explains why deficiency occurs in young active people and middle-aged people. In this case, a deficiency can occur even with a sufficient intake of vitamin B9 from food.
With a lack of B9, DNA synthesis is disrupted, and the cell does not enter the stage of division. This phenomenon is observed in the bone marrow with megaloblastic anemia - a disease in which the maturation of erythrocytes is disturbed, and overgrown megaloblasts are found in the blood.
Megaloblasts are an immature original form that is unable to perform the functions of red blood cells. Similar transformations occur with leukocytes, cells of the gastric mucosa, intestines, causing gastritis, enteritis, conjunctivitis.
With a lack of vitamin B9 in the body, the content of homocysteine \u200b\u200bincreases, which destroys the endothelium of blood vessels and causes homocysteinemia. One of the breakdown products of homocysteine \u200b\u200bis the amino acid methionine, which is necessary for the formation of serotonin, norepinephrine.
For the production of serotonin and norepinephrine, as the main neurotransmitters of the brain, synthesis of purines, maturation of erythrocytes, the activation of vitamin B9 in the body is required, which requires cobalamin ().
Reasons for the lack
Cooking at high temperatures lowers the vitamin B9 content in foods by 70-90%, and a person does not get the required amount from food.
The reasons for the lack of vitamin B 9 can be:
- malabsorption in the small intestine;
- crohn's disease;
- alcoholism;
- taking barbiturates, anticonvulsants, oral contraceptives, metatrexate;
- high need for pregnancy, hemodialysis.
Deficiency symptoms
Lack of folic acid negatively affects puberty in adolescents, leads to early menopause in women, spermogram disorders, infertility in men, accompanied by:
- anemia;
- early gray hair;
- irritability;
- loss of strength;
- depression;
- the appearance of phobias, feelings of fear.
Hypervitaminosis B9
An excess amount of folate negatively affects the cellular immune system, reducing the activity of NK cells - natural killer cells.
Too much can be difficult to induce by eating folate-rich foods as they are excreted by the kidneys in the urine. But when using overdoses of folic acid in tablets, it can lead to an excess of this compound in the blood.
The danger of this phenomenon is that folate stimulates cell division, which is dangerous in case of cancer or a high risk of cancerous tumors.
In connection with the latest data, WHO has revised the required daily norms of folic acid downward, and now recommends that adult non-pregnant women take 170 mcg of folic acid per day, and during pregnancy - up to 470 mcg.
* Bifidobacteria and propionic acid bacteria synthesize folic acid ...
What is folic acid?
Folic acid - water-soluble vitamin B9 essential for the growth and development of the circulatory and immune systems. Almost no one nowadays argues that "the new is the well-forgotten old." This also happened with folic acid (synonyms: vitamin B, vitamin B9, vitamin M, pteroylglutamic acid, folacin, folamine, cytofol, folsan, riofolin, milafol, etc.).When, in 1941, folic acid was isolated from green spinach leaves, in connection with which it got its name (from lat. folium - "leaf"), no one could have thought that in decades the close attention of scientists all over the world would turn to this chemical compound with a very intricate name
N-4-2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-pteridyl-methyl-aminobenzoyl-L-glutamic acid. Chemical formula:
C 19 H 19 N 7 O 6
In humans and animals, folic acid is not synthesized; it comes from the outside along with food. Another source of folate is naturally intestinal microflora .
The value of folic acid (vitamin B9)
The coenzyme functions of folic acid are not associated with the free form of the vitamin, but with the reduced pteridine derivative. The reduction is reduced to the breaking of two double bonds and the addition of four hydrogen atoms to form tetrahydrofolic acid (THPA) and proceeds in animal tissues in two stages with the participation of specific enzymes containing reduced NADP. First, with the participation of folate reductase, dihydrofolic acid (DHPA) is formed, which, with the participation of the second enzyme, dihydrofolate reductase, is reduced to THPA.
The coenzyme functions of THPK are directly related to the transfer of one-carbon groups, the primary sources of which in the body are derivatives of well-known amino acids (serine, glycine, methionine, choline, tryptophan, histidine), as well as formaldehyde, formic acid, and methanol. Derivatives of THPK play an extremely important role in the biosynthesis of proteins and nucleic acids; therefore, profound metabolic disorders that are often observed in folic acid deficiency are quite understandable.
Folic acid possesses acceptor properties in relation to hydrogen, which determines its participation in redox processes. folic acid takes an active part in the processes of regulation of the functions of the hematopoietic organs, has an antianemic effect in macrocytic anemia, has a positive effect on the functions of the intestine and liver, preventing its fatty infiltration.
Therefore, folic acid is present in all tissues of animals and humans and is very important for the normal processes of growth, development and proliferation of tissues, including for erythropoiesis and embryogenesis. In addition, folic acid is essential for the formation of adrenaline, the catabolism of nicotinic acid, and has an estrogen-like effect. According to some reports, taking folic acid reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer in women taking hormonal contraceptives.
Folic acid deficiency
Folic acid deficiency until recently, it was associated mainly with the pathology of the development of the central nervous system and folate-deficiency anemia. Today it is also associated with the risk of acute coronary syndromes and strokes. Folic acid is believed to provide prevention of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
The fact that folic acid deficiency in women of childbearing age leads to the development of congenital pathology of the central nervous system in children has been known for 50 years. Neural tube defects are among the most serious birth defects, among them the most common spina bifida and anencephaly. Every year in the United States, they are registered in 1 case per 1,000 pregnancies, and about 4,000 pregnancies are terminated both spontaneously and artificially due to impaired development of the central nervous system of the fetus. According to statistics, 500 thousand children with such anomalies are born every year in the world. According to statistics, the frequency of occurrence of spina bifida and anencephaly is 2 per 1,000 pregnancies, which is 4 times higher than in the case when women regularly receive prophylactic folic acid.
Quite a long time ago, namely in 1964, the journal "Lancet" published the results of a study conducted in Liverpool, in which of 98 women who gave birth to children with defects of the central nervous system, 54 were found to have impaired folic acid metabolism. As you know, within 28 days after fertilization, the development of the fetal neural tube is completed, and it is very important that women take folic acid during this period.
Defects in the neural tube develop as a result of a violation of its closure or in some cases as a result of reopening. Anencephaly results in either stillbirth or death soon after birth.
Newborns with spina bifida currently survive, especially with intensive treatment and surgery, but most often become severely disabled with paralysis and pelvic dysfunction. Sometimes there are mild variants of the manifestation of a defect in the form of kyphosis or scoliosis. As a rule, such children have mental retardation, psychologically they are less adapted to the environment. The results of a randomized study show that at least 75% of cases of congenital malformations of the central nervous system could be prevented if women took folic acid - vitamin B9 at a dose of 800 μg / day even before conception and in early pregnancy.
In practical medical practice, folate-deficiency anemia is sometimes encountered, with its hematological features resembling B12-deficiency anemia, but having a slightly different etiology. It can lead to nutritional deficiency and enteritis with malabsorption, taking drugs that inhibit the synthesis of folic acid (cytostatics, anticonvulsants, barbiturates), an increased need for folic acid (malignant tumors, hemolysis, exfoliative dermatitis, pregnancy), as well as chronic alcohol intoxication ...
FOLIC ACID AND ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Despite the well-known fact that cholesterol metabolism disorders are considered the main risk factor for atherosclerosis, today more and more attention is paid to the role of homocysteine, a derivative of the amino acid methionine. Its accumulation is associated with endothelial dysfunction and loosening of the inner surface of the vascular wall, facilitating the deposition of cholesterol and calcium with the formation of an atherosclerotic plaque. Increased content homocysteine in plasma is a sign of folate deficiency.
As known, atherosclerosis coronary vessels and cerebral vessels is the main cause of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and cerebral strokes. ACS can manifest itself both in the form of angina pectoris and in the form of heart attacks (with postinfarction cardiosclerosis), conduction disturbances, heart failure, and sudden coronary death. Pain syndrome prevails in the clinic, although silent forms of ACS are not excluded.
Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke is most often characterized by irreversible structural changes in the brain with the occurrence of various disorders (behavioral, mental, emotional, movement disorders in the form of paresis and paralysis), which can both be reduced and persist. Recently, the opinion has been formed that the prophylactic effect of folic acid in atherosclerosis is realized, among other mechanisms, and through a decrease in the level of homocysteine \u200b\u200bin the blood.
A randomized study carried out in China has shown that the use of multivitamin complexes containing folic acid leads to a decrease in death from stroke. In 2000, the results of a double-blind, randomized study were presented, the authors of which showed that dietary supplementation with folic acid led to a significant improvement in endothelial function in patients with coronary atherosclerosis. In particular, taking folic acid reduces the risk of developing acute coronary syndromes by 16%, deep venous thrombosis by 25% and the risk of developing strokes by 24%.
DAILY ORGANISM NEED FOR FOLIC ACID
Folates as a coenzyme participate in the metabolism of nucleic acids and amino acids. Folate deficiency leads to impaired synthesis of nucleic acids and protein, which results in inhibition of cell growth and division, especially in rapidly proliferating tissues: bone marrow, intestinal epithelium, etc. Insufficient consumption of folate during pregnancy is one of the causes of prematurity, malnutrition, congenital malformations and developmental disorders of the child. A strong association has been shown between folate and homocysteine \u200b\u200blevels and the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Note: Folates are derived from folic acid, in fact, it is the same folic acid in natural form or vitamin B9.
Physiological requirements for folate according to Methodical recommendations МР 2.3.1.2432-08 on the norms of physiological needs for energy and nutrients for various groups of the population of the Russian Federation:
- The upper permissible level of consumption - 1000 μg / day
- The specified physiological requirement for adults is 400 mcg / day.
- The physiological requirement for children is from 50 to 400 mcg / day.
|
Age |
Daily folate requirement (mcg) |
|
|
Babies |
0 - 3 months |
|
|
4 - 6 months |
||
|
7 - 12 months |
||
|
Children from 1 to 11 years old |
1 — 3 |
|
|
3 — 7 |
||
|
7 — 11 |
||
|
Men (boys, boys) |
11 — 14 |
300-400 |
|
14 — 18 |
||
|
> 18 |
||
|
Women (girls, girls) |
11 — 14 |
300-400 |
|
14 — 18 |
||
|
> 18 |
||
|
Pregnant |
||
|
Lactating |
Sources of vitamin B9 - folic acid
Substances with folic acid activity are widespread in nature. Rich sources are green plant leaves and yeast. These substances are also found in liver, kidneys, meat, egg yolk, cheese and other foods.
Table 2. Folic acid content in food
|
Vegetable and animal products |
|
|
Beans, green beans |
|
|
Green peas |
25-120 |
|
Cauliflower |
50-160 |
|
Cabbage |
90-100 |
|
Beet |
|
|
Carrot |
60-130 |
|
Parsley |
|
|
Spinach |
100-130 |
|
Tomatoes |
40-110 |
|
Potatoes |
|
|
Champignons |
|
|
Melon |
|
|
Corn (grain) |
|
|
Barley (grain) |
|
|
Wheat (grain) |
50-200 |
|
Groundnuts (flour) |
|
|
Chicken liver |
100-150 |
|
Veal liver |
430-880 |
|
Pork liver |
65-150 |
|
Calf kidney |
|
|
Cattle meat |
30-100 |
|
Liver "" " |
150-450 |
|
A heart " " " |
|
|
Kidneys "" " |
30-100 |
|
Canned salmon |
|
|
Salmon |
|
|
Female milk |
33-50 |
|
Whole cow's milk |
3-40 |
|
Egg |
13-30 |
Many microorganisms of the intestines of animals and humans synthesize folic acid in quantities sufficient to meet the body's needs for this vitamin. According to the WHO recommendations, the daily requirement of folic acid for adults and children from 12 years old is 400 mcg, the same dose is recommended by the Institute of Medicine and the US Social Health Service for women of childbearing age, especially for those wishing to become pregnant.
Factors contributing to folate deficiency
The absorption of folic acid can be impaired with the use of diphenin and some other antiepileptic drugs due to the formation of insoluble complexes. The development of folic acid deficiency is also caused by the intake of "antifolic" drugs: trimethoprim (part of biseptol, bactrim), methotrexate (cytostatic), etc., qualitatively and quantitatively malnutrition, diseases of the small intestine, systematic alcohol consumption.
Studies have shown that folate deficiency- one of the most common hypovitaminosis among pregnant women, newborns and young children. Basically, this is due to poor nutrition, the presence of concomitant diseases, dysbiosis, alcohol consumption, etc. In the fetus, newborns and young children, it develops due to a deficiency of folic acid in the mother during pregnancy, its insufficient content in milk mixtures.
Breast-feeding contributes to the elimination of folic acid deficiency, since regardless of the vitamin content in the mother's blood, a constant concentration of the monoglutamate form of vitamin B9 is maintained in breast milk, which ensures active absorption in the child's intestines and allows him to cover his physiological needs.
Folic acid deficiencyin pregnant women, it is a triggering factor for the development of miscarriage, partial or complete placental abruption, spontaneous abortion or stillbirth, increases the risk of developing congenital malformations in the fetus, in particular, neural tube defects, hydrocephalus, anencephaly, cerebral hernias, etc.; increases the risk of mental retardation in the child. With a deficiency of folic acid in a pregnant woman, the likelihood of developing toxicosis, depression increases, pains in the legs appear, and anemia develops.
A large number of possible complications are due to the important role that folic acid plays in metabolism. Its coenzyme forms ensure the normal exchange of a number of amino acids, biosynthesis of RNA, DNA, which is especially important for tissues that are actively dividing and differentiating. The important role of folic acid for the developing organism is also confirmed by the fact that in children with a deficiency of folic acid, in addition to macrocytic anemia, weight lag is often observed, the function of the bone marrow is inhibited, the normal maturation of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, the skin is disrupted and creates the basis for the development of enteritis, diaper rash, delayed psychomotor development.
Currently installed that, under certain circumstances, a severe degree of folate deficiency can cause serious neuropsychiatric disorders - emotional disturbances in thinking and dementia, that is, disturbances in the functioning of the brain. In children with a lack of folic acid, in addition to macrocytic anemia, hypotrophy develops, development is delayed, bone marrow function is inhibited, the maturation of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract is disturbed, conditions are created for the development of enteritis. A delay in growth and development is possible without anemia. In premature newborns, hypovitaminosis develops on the background of folic acid deficiency 2-3 weeks after birth. The risk of infectious complications also increases.
Literature data indicate that alcohol accelerates the decline in serum folate levels, especially in people on diets that do not contain enough folate. Folic acid deficiency also increases due to alcoholic liver damage and impaired absorption of folic acid in the intestine. The defeat of the nervous system depends on the degree of folic acid deficiency: with a mild degree, neuritis is predominantly noted, with a moderate degree - polyneuritis, with a severe one - memory impairment and depressive disorders.
With folic acid deficiency in the tissues of the body, the content of coenzyme forms of folic acid decreases, the exchange of a number of amino acids is disrupted and the rate of biosynthesis of RNA and DNA decreases, which is clearly manifested in the state of tissues with intensive division (mucous membranes, skin, blood). The earliest sign of developing folic acid deficiency is a decrease in its level in blood plasma to 2-3 ng / l and below (in blood plasma, folic acid is presented mainly in the monoglutamate form). With the further development of folic acid deficiency, polysegmented leukocytes appear in the blood, urinary excretion of formilinoglutamic acid, a degradation product of L-histidine, increases, and, finally, at relatively late stages of folic acid deficiency in the bone marrow, its morphological study reveals megaloblastic anemia, and develops ...
The main cause of folacin deficiency is violation of its absorption from food products.
The average content of vitamin B9 with an optimal combination of food products is 500-600 μg, mainly in the polyglutamate form. About 50% of this amount is destroyed during the culinary processing of food. The content of folacin in the blood serum of healthy people ranges from 6 to 25 ng / l. Folic acid deficiency can be said if its serum level is in the range from 3 to 5.9 ng / l, and folic acid levels below 3 ng / l indicate hypovitaminosis. A more accurate and reliable method is to determine the concentration of folic acid in erythrocytes. A concentration of no more than 100 ng / L clearly indicates an existing folic acid deficiency.The amount of folic acid recommended by a special WHO expert commission is 400 micrograms per day for adolescents aged 13 and older. An adult's need for folic acid is 200 mcg per day.During pregnancy the requirement for folic acid approximately doubles to 800 mcg. During lactation, 600 mcg is recommended, on the grounds that during breastfeeding, folic acid is excreted in breast milk, and at the same time the losses observed during pregnancy should be restored.
Rememberthat the reserves of folic acid are easily depleted with frequent drinking of strong tea and in women during the period of taking the contraceptive pill. Alcohol decreases the absorption of folic acid in the intestines, therefore increasing the need for it. Folic acid is not recommended for people with epilepsy, as it can worsen seizures.
From the above it follows that for the prevention and complex treatment of diseases associated with a deficiency of folic acid, as well as in connection with poor absorption in the body of the polyglutamate form of folic acid found in food, incl. in case of dysfunction of intestinal absorption, it is very useful to consume probiotic foods based on ferments of bifido- and propionic acid bacteria or directlyprobiotics since they contain folacin producers and directly regulate the absorption of vitamins in the gastrointestinal tract.
ON A NOTE...
DEFICIENCY OF FOLIC ACID (VITAMIN B9) IS HARMFUL FOR SEVERAL GENERATIONS
FOLIC ACID belongs to the group of vitamins B9. Vitamin B9 includes a group of compounds - folic acid, folacin, folates - these are groups of substances that consist of pterin, para-aminobenzoic acid, and different amounts of glutamic acid residues.
In the human liver, as a rule, there are some reserves of folacin, which can protect against folate deficiency for 3-6 months, if for some reason it is temporarily not supplied with food. Healthy gut microflora can also synthesize folic acid on its own.
The need for an adult for vitamin B9 is about 200 mcg / day, for pregnant and lactating women - 400-600 mcg; children of the first year of life - 40-60 mcg. The body of a healthy person contains from 5 to 10 mg of folic acid.
FOLIC ACID RESERVESin the body are depleted with the regular use of alcohol, with frequent use of strong tea and in women during the period of taking birth control pills.
During pregnancy, the requirement for PK approximately doubles, amounting to 800 μg. During lactation, 600 μg is recommended, on the grounds that during breastfeeding, FC is excreted in breast milk, and at the same time the losses observed during pregnancy should be restored.
DEFICIT FOLIC ACID in a parent's diet can affect not only the health of the child, but also future generations. This assumption was made by scientists after a study on mice: insufficient intake of folic acid causes disorders in both "children" and "grandchildren" of the individual.
All expectant mothers and doctors know that a deficiency of folic acid - a vitamin necessary for the formation of proteins, the creation and maintenance of new cells in a healthy state - during pregnancy can lead to birth defects in the baby, including low birth weight. A lack of folic acid can provoke the development of cancer, megaloblastic anemia and bone marrow damage.
About the research. For the study, Erica Watson of Cambridge University and her colleagues bred mice with mutated folate metabolism (MTRR) genes. The effect of such a mutation is similar to the acquired effects of a lack of folic acid in food, but it is easier to control experimentally. When mice with a similar mutation were crossed with normal individuals, some mice from the offspring were born with abnormalities - heart pathologies and spina bifida.
Their normal brothers and sisters were crossed with other normal mice at puberty, but even their offspring were born with similar problems. And the next two generations too. A similar effect took place even if the offspring did not inherit the gene mutation itself - that is, the lack of acid was inherited not through the DNA itself, but through changes in the genes on-off system.
This epigenetic system is able to initiate and deactivate gene expression by adding chemical "labels" - for example, a methyl group. Until recently, it was believed that these epigenetic markers are erased in each subsequent generation. But when Watson's team looked at the DNA of the offspring of folate-deficient mice, they found dramatic changes in methylation.
It is curious that deviations were present in grandchildren, regardless of who was the carrier of the MTRR mutation - grandfather or grandmother. This suggests that development is influenced not only by the amount of folic acid consumed during the intrauterine development of the child: the deficiency of folic acid leaves its imprints in the eggs and sperm.
This work proves once again that there is a continuity of generations concerning epigenetic changes. For example, previous studies have shown that stress early in life determines the symptoms of anxiety and depression in male grandchild mice.
It is a biologically inactive substance. For medical purposes, the substance is obtained artificially. Vitamin B9 is made in the form of ampoules, powders or tablets. Folic acid is also found in food: spinach, beans, tomatoes, beets, eggs, meat, animal liver.
Pharmacological properties
The substance is involved in the metabolism, and also plays a major role in the synthesis of immune cells, improves digestion. This drug is also called the vitamin of motherhood, because folic acid is the most important vitamin during pregnancy, which forms the fetus, stimulates cell growth and is necessary for the development of the placenta. Lack of this substance in the early stages of pregnancy can threaten the fetus with a defect in the nervous system.
Folic acid with vitamins B12 and B6 regulates the mental state of a person, participates in the synthesis of the hormones serotonin and adrenaline, which are important for the nervous system. The substance is necessary for the replication of amino acids, nucleic acids, purines, pyrimidines, takes part in the exchange of choline. That is why, for a complex effect, doctors recommend taking folic acid along with vitamins B12 and B6.
Folic acid (+ vitamins B12 and B6) "Evalar" combines substances in the right proportions for the best assimilation in the body. Optimal dosage, excellent quality, affordable price - these are the positive qualities that distinguish the drug. Folic acid (+ vitamins B12 and B6) is taken as an active biological food supplement. Patient reviews about the drug company "Evalar" are positive.
Prescribed in the form of a medicine, vitamin B9 (in combination with other supplements) is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, interacts intensively with plasma proteins, penetrates the blood-brain semipermeable barrier into the placenta and into breast milk. The folic acid complex is excreted by the kidneys in the form of metabolites. Overdose is rare.
Indications for use
For those who have an insufficient content of vitamin B9 in the body, folic acid (vitamin B12 and B6) is indicated. The instructions for use include the following items:
- it is necessary to take a dietary supplement with meals;
- adults need to take one tablet a day;
- the duration of the course is a month and a half.
Folic acid (vitamins B6, B12, C, E, B9) is a powerful compound that supports the cardiovascular system. It is recommended to use the supplement for various kinds of diseases of the heart and blood vessels, for atherosclerosis, and also in order to reduce the risk of heart attacks.
Other indications for folic acid supplementation in maintenance therapy include:
- intestinal tuberculosis;
- chronic gastroenteritis;
- anemia and leukopenia;
- pregnancy (vitamin is indicated to prevent disorders of the neural tube in the fetus);
- insufficient amount of acid in the body (with malnutrition, vegetarianism, pregnancy);
- tropical diarrhea.
Folic acid with vitamins B12 and B6 promotes the formation of enzymes that prevent the development of benign and malignant tumors.
The most common combination and good compatibility of substances are vitamins K, B6, B12, folic acid, zinc. Vitamin B9 is practically safe, but doctors do not recommend taking the supplement for a long time, as it reduces the concentration of vitamin B12 in the body.
Folic acid for women: intake regimen
Seven out of ten women are deficient in vitamin B6. Folic acid with vitamins B12 and B6 is especially needed for expectant mothers and women who are just planning a pregnancy. Lack of vitamin in the mother's body increases the risk of having a baby with pathologies or mental disabilities, can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or placental detachment.
With a shortage of B9, women in position experience weakness, dizziness, general health worsens, hair begins to fall out, and the appearance leaves much to be desired. Vomiting or diarrhea, anemia may appear.
Doctors recommend starting daily vitamins B6, B12 with folic acid in a dosage of 0.4 to 0.8 mg three months before the planned conception of a child and during pregnancy. In the event that the pregnancy is not the first and pathologies in the development of the first baby are found, it is necessary to increase the dosage to 4 mg.
Also, this drug is necessary for women after fifty years, since the biological supplement improves well-being during menopause. Vitamin B6 reduces unpleasant symptoms by exerting an estrogen-like effect. With regular use, the drug improves mental state, normalizes sleep, reduces sweating, regulates ebbs and flows, normalizes blood pressure, and eliminates heart palpitations.
Vitamin B9 also protects against macular degeneration - this is damage to the retina and, as a result, a rapid and severe deterioration in visual acuity.
Folic acid for men: dosage
Folic acid in a man's body is responsible for the productivity and sperm count, and an insufficient amount of vitamin B9 can even lead to infertility. In addition, a lack of folic acid can subsequently have a negative effect on the child, causing the development of Down syndrome, epilepsy or schizophrenia. For men, as well as for women, it is important to start taking a dietary supplement three months before the planned conception.
To replenish the lack of folic acid in the body, you should consume enough fresh vegetables, fish, meat, cottage cheese, cheese. As a rule, in addition, doctors prescribe 1 tablet (1 ml) of vitamin per day, and as part of the treatment of various diseases, the dosage is increased to 2-5 tablets per day.
Folic acid for children: instruction
From development in the womb to three years, during maturation, formation and growth, the child especially needs vitamin B9. But if the mother adheres to a balanced and healthy diet, the baby under one year old does not need additional vitamin intake. Folic acid with vitamins B12 and B6 is necessary for adolescents for normal growth and good memory.
Depending on the age, the child is prescribed different dosages:
- up to 6 months - 25 mcg;
- from one to 3 years - 50 mcg;
- from 14 years old - 200 mcg.
One tablet contains 1000 mcg of the substance, so children need to dilute one tablet in water, and then measure the required dosage using a measuring syringe.
Slimming and cosmetic applications
Scottish scientists have confirmed that folic acid is an essential element for maintaining women's health and beauty. Vitamin is the main participant in the formation of leukocytes, erythrocytes, new cells of the skin and hair. Vitamin B9 provides a healthy complexion, which is important for women.
For cosmetic purposes, vitamin B9 is used to heal and strengthen hair, prevent baldness, improve and strengthen nails, and also as a regenerating and soothing agent. Liquid acid is used for hair in combination with masks, conditioners and shampoos. As part of the complex, vitamin or vitamin B9 in products is used to accelerate metabolism in the body and fight overweight.
Vitamin B9 hair mask recipes:
- Burdock oil, rub half a teaspoon of vitamin B9 into hair, wrap your head with a towel, hold for half an hour. Wash off the product from the hair with shampoo with the addition of a drop of folic acid.
- Mask for dry hair. Mix the avocado pulp (contains B9) with olive oil, add two drops of lemon juice. Keep the mask for about half an hour. Wash off with warm water and shampoo.
Folic acid in the human body breaks down fats. So a successful weight loss program is taking vitamins, proper and balanced nutrition, moderate physical activity.
Side effects and overdose
The possibility of folic acid overdose is very small. Excess acid from the body is excreted in the urine. But despite the harmlessness of the drug, there are side effects and an insignificant likelihood of overdose.
Doctors advise not to set the dosage yourself, but to drink as directed.
Possible side effects include:
- rash, itchy skin, asthma attack, allergic reactions;
- insufficient amount of vitamin B12;
- the development of anemia;
- thickening of the epithelial layer in the kidneys.
An overdose of vitamin B9 causes insomnia, diarrhea, cramps, acute abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. If the above symptoms are detected, it is necessary to consult a doctor and only under his supervision adjust the intake of the vitamin. Additional therapy may be required.
Interaction with other drugs
Vitamin B9 reduces the effectiveness of phenytoin. Analgesics, anticonvulsants, estrogens and contraceptives increase the body's need for vitamin B9. Antacids, "Cholestyramine", sulfonamides reduce the absorption of folic acid. They inhibit dihydrofolate reductase and reduce the effect of folic acid "Triamteren", "Pyrimethamine", "Trimethoprim". People who use these drugs are additionally assigned calcium folinate when vitamin B9 is prescribed.
Contraindications for taking the supplement
It is not recommended to use vitamins with B6, B12 and folic acid in case of hypersensitivity, serious allergic reactions to B vitamins and bronchial asthma. Folic acid activates cancer cells. The use of the vitamin is contraindicated in renal failure and pyelonephritis. It is undesirable to take acid with hemochromatosis - this is a hereditary disease that manifests itself in a violation of iron metabolism.
The tablets must be stored at a temperature not exceeding +25, in a dark and dry place. The shelf life is 36 months.