Why folic acid (vitamin B9) is essential for women of all ages. Can I take during pregnancy and breastfeeding. What products contain.

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin B9, the lack of which can lead to a decrease in immunity, disruption of the circulatory system and the following diseases:

• thrombus formation;
• anemia;
• arrhythmia;
• atherosclerosis;
• heart attack;
• stroke;
• diseases of the liver and stomach;
• eczema;
• dermatitis;
• osteoporosis;
• infertility;
• anorexia;
• depression;
• dementia.

The constant use of B9 is extremely indicated for women of any age, since the vitamin is involved in many processes responsible for health, youth and beauty.

For the health of young girls

The use of B9 is especially indispensable during puberty. This is the time when tissue renewal and hormonal changes take place.

Folic acid intake helps to avoid all kinds of skin problems, for example, it is excellent for acne and pimples.

Prevents development anemia, which leads to rapid fatigue, fainting, tearfulness and a sharp weight loss.

Vitamin deficiency in adolescence contributes to menstrual irregularities, which can lead to serious gynecological diseases, including infertility.

In addition, depression and delayed sexual development may occur.

When planning a pregnancy

Vitamin B9 must be consumed long before conception, as it is of great importance in the formation of DNA and RNA and promotes the absorption of amino acids. The dose should be increased as the fetus develops.

In case of B9 deficiency, children are born with low body weight or neurological disorders. The risk of mental retardation, heart defects, anomalies of the limbs and palate increases.

Folic acid will help to avoid miscarriage, miscarriage or placental abruption.

When breastfeeding

It is very important to continue taking folic acid while breastfeeding (FB).

Deficiency leads to severe postpartum depression, weakness and a decrease in the amount of milk. The child's immunity and mental development are reduced.

B9 ensures the normal development of the skeleton of the baby.

Responsible for the process of hematopoiesis and the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

Important! The daily dose is from 500 mcg.

When menstruation is delayed

Most often, hormonal disorders occur due to a lack of vitamins in the body. Folic acid contributes to the maturation of follicles and the regulation of the menstrual cycle.

In addition, it reduces the unpleasant manifestations of premenstrual syndrome.

Why drink after 40 years?

Nowadays, with modern cosmetology and proper personal care, forty-year-olds look 10 years younger or even more.

For facial skin

Folic acid helps maintain skin tone and protect it from ultraviolet radiation. Helps prevent wrinkles and age spots. The application eliminates various problems associated with hair and nails. Proven to significantly reduce graying.

Preparing for the menopause

After 45 years, the female body begins a slow preparation for the next menopause. It is at this time that the use of B9 will ensure a painless transition to the next age stage.

What is useful after 50 years?

In such a difficult period, when physical and psychological changes occur, folic acid prevents the occurrence of many diseases. Regulates blood pressure and relieves migraines.

Vitamin is able to normalize the state of sleep and get rid of insomnia. Helps to improve the processes of digestion and increase the stability of the nervous system.

In addition, it prevents macular degeneration. This degenerative disease of the retina leads to poor vision after the age of 50.

Important! Taking folic acid reduces the risk of developing cancer.

Influence on the body during menopause

Vitamin regulates such main symptoms in menopausal syndrome as:

• hot flashes;
• sensation of heat;
• sweating;
• mood swings.

In gynecology

An increased dose of folic acid is necessary for those who consume for a long time contraceptives tablets. This can reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

B9 contributes to the successful conception even of patients with endometriosis and helps in the treatment of common gynecological diseases.

With polycystic ovaries

This hormonal disorder leads to infertility, where the symptoms are:

• excess weight;
• growth of vegetation on the chest, abdomen and face;
• violation of the menstrual cycle;
• greasy hair;
• dandruff;
• male pattern baldness;
• bad skin.

Daily intake of vitamin B9 increases the chances of pregnancy.

With myoma

According to statistics, benign neoplasms develop in 50% of women. The main symptoms of uterine fibroids can be distinguished:

• copious menstrual flow;
• frequent urination;
• constipation;
• bleeding outside of critical days.

Along with hormonal drugs, it is necessary to consume folic acid along with other vitamins.

B9 will reduce the size of the tumor, normalize the balance of hormones and restore the body after uterine bleeding.

For ovarian cyst

Seals appear due to many factors, for example, due to inflammatory and endocrine diseases. May be associated with long-term use of hormonal drugs or frequent abortions.

Treatment of cysts necessarily includes the use of vitamin B9. All diseases are caused by a weakened immune system. And its strengthening will be able to launch protective processes that will effectively deal with foreign formations.

With iron deficiency anemia

This most common form appears due to a lack of iron during heavy blood loss or infections.

Anemia is very dangerous during pregnancy, as it leads to disruption of the nervous system of the fetus. The mother has weakness, fatigue and shortness of breath.

How to take with maltofer?

Effective treatment of anemia is carried out in combination with B9 iron-containing drugs. Such therapy will increase the content of hemoglobin, since the vitamin enhances the absorption of iron.

Pregnant women, after normalizing the hemoglobin content, should use maltofer and folic acid until childbirth.

Daily intake of Maltofer Fall depends on the level of iron deficiency:

• for preventive purposes - 1 time per day. Duration -1 or 2 months;
• lactating and children - 2-3 times 1 tablet per day. Course - 3 months;
• pregnant women - 3 times a day for 5 months.

Important! When taking, exclude the use of alcoholic beverages.

Daily rate

The daily dose depends on many factors: age, disease, stress or mental and physical stress.

A large amount is found in green herbs. For example, in spinach, wild garlic, asparagus, parsley and nettle.

Also, folic acid is present in the following products:

• liver;
• tuna;
• salmon;
• milk;
• cottage cheese;
• sour cream;
• raw eggs;
• oranges;
• grapefruits;
• bananas;
• kiwi;
• melon;
• Garnet;
• cucumbers;
• pumpkin;
• lentils;
• Walnut;
• peanut;
• almond.

Peculiarity! The amount of vitamin decreases during cooking.

Conclusion

The use of B9 is shown to women throughout their lives. This will save you from teenage problems to Alzheimer's at an older age.

It is worth regularly undergoing preventive examinations, reviewing the diet and eliminating bad habits.

Only in this case the woman will be healthy and beautiful at any age.

In contact with

Both for the male and for the female body, vitamins are needed at different periods of life. During the period of weakening of the body, folic acid (vitamin B9) is especially important for women. Wrong lifestyle and frequent diets provoke its deficiency, which should be avoided, since this vitamin is responsible for beauty and women's health.

The properties of the element are mainly manifested in a beneficial effect on the appearance: skin, hair, nails. Vitamin prevents the early appearance of wrinkles, age spots, strengthens nails, accelerates hair growth and improves their quality.

But there are other important properties:

• strengthening the body's defenses, prevention of viral and infectious diseases;
• reducing the likelihood of heart disease;
• strengthening the nervous system, increasing resistance to stressful situations;
• anemia prevention;
• migraine prevention;
• reducing the risk of cancer;
• improving the activity of the gastrointestinal tract;
• ensuring the normal course of pregnancy, reducing the risk of pathologies of the baby's brain;
• reducing the risk of preterm birth while carrying a baby.

Folic acid for women after 40, 50 years

In the life of a woman over the age of 40, vitamin B9 plays a particularly important role. It affects the hormonal system, slowing down the onset of menopause. But even during menopause, vitamin B9 has a positive effect on the condition of a woman.

Benefits of folic acid for the body

If the right amount of vitamin enters the body, then the intensity and frequency of the phenomena characteristic of menopause are significantly reduced: hot flashes, mood swings, pressure surges, etc. The skin receives the necessary nutrition, which slows down the formation of deep wrinkles.

After 50 years, women also need this vitamin. It allows you to actively resist the symptoms of menopause and makes the hormonal changes in the body more invisible. Also at this age, vitamin B9 is needed for normal stomach acidity and proper protein absorption. Vitamin helps to remove accumulated toxins from the body and fights bacteria.

Folic acid for beauty

Folic acid - for what women need is for beauty - it helps to make the skin supple and hair shiny. It is not called the beauty vitamin for nothing. If it is present in a sufficient amount in a woman's body, it maintains the beauty and youth of the skin, hair and nails.

With its regular use, you can get rid of age spots, increase the resistance of the skin to the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation, prevent baldness, strengthen the nail plates and accelerate their growth.

Folic acid is often included in medications and cosmetics that treat alopecia, and not only in women. From which it is clear that the vitamin is needed to activate the hair follicles.

An important property of vitamin B9 is the ability to accelerate cell regeneration. And this helps to avoid the appearance of early wrinkles, premature gray hair and dry skin.

Folic acid masks - recipes

Vitamin B9 is used both internally and externally. Folic acid is introduced into the composition of masks for hair and face.

For hair:

For face:

Face masks will help rejuvenate the skin, make it supple and smooth.

Daily intake

Folic acid (what women need is already clear) is part of many foods, but sometimes it is recommended to take medications.

The norm for an adult is 200–400 mcg (0.2–0.4 mg) per day . For pregnant women, this figure increases to 600–1000 mcg, and for lactating women, the norm is 500 mcg. If there are problems with hematopoiesis or the state of immunity, the dosage is increased. However, only a doctor can increase the dose after conducting the necessary examinations.

What is the risk of deficiency

In the body of a healthy person should be about 5-25 mg of folic acid. Half of this serving is in the liver. But vitamin B9 cannot accumulate in the body and is consumed very quickly. Therefore, it is important to replenish the reserves of this vitamin daily.

Lack of the right amount of vitamin B9 is fraught with:

• lack of iron in the body;
• dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system;
• disorders in the organs of the nervous system, including the brain;
• mental disorders, the appearance of a feeling of fear, phobia;
• early withering of the skin and the appearance of gray hair;
• early onset of menopause;
• developmental delay in adolescents;
• abortion and fetal pathology.

Signs of too much vitamin

This phenomenon is extremely rare, since it is impossible to get so much folic acid from food. Hypervitaminosis of folic acid can occur due to prolonged, uncontrolled intake of drugs containing this element.

Because of this, the following disorders may appear:

• kidney disease;
• digestive disorders;
• excessive nervous excitability;
• insomnia.

Signs of vitamin deficiency in the body

Acute folic acid deficiency progresses very quickly. The body begins to give signals already in the first days of vitamin B9 deficiency. A month later, the level of this vitamin reaches a critical state, and the person begins to constantly get sick, feels powerless and is in a bad mood.

The lack of this element in the body manifests itself as follows:

• a decrease in hemoglobin (in this disease, peripheral organs and tissues are poorly supplied with oxygen, which causes weakness and pallor of the skin);
• lack of appetite (with an insufficient amount of folic acid, an insufficient amount of hydrochloric acid is produced in the stomach);
• frequent food intoxications;
• various skin rashes (acne, age spots, acne, vitiligo);
• decreased performance, fatigue;
• sudden weight loss;
• disorder of memory and attention;
• irritability, apathy, neuroses, depression.

Instructions for use

To understand what dosage a particular person needs, many factors must be taken into account.

During pregnancy planning

During this period, folic acid intake is very important. This element will prepare the woman's body for conception. In this situation, the vitamin found in food will not be enough, so the doctor prescribes folic acid tablets. One tablet contains 1000 micrograms (1 mg) of vitamin B9. Drink 1 tablet a day.

During childbearing

Folic acid (for which women need during pregnancy, the doctor will tell) will help to avoid many problems in the development of the baby and with the health of the pregnant woman herself.

If the pregnancy proceeds normally, 1 tab. is prescribed for prevention. per day, containing 1 mg of vitamin B9.

But it happens that a pregnant woman has a deficiency of this element in her body, then doctors prescribe stronger drugs that contain a high concentration of folic acid: for example, Folacin, one tablet of which contains 5000 mcg (5 mg) of the vitamin. This dose is already considered therapeutic.

During breastfeeding

Taking vitamin B9 during lactation will eliminate the lack of this element not only in the mother, but also in the baby. After all, everything that the mother consumes gets into his body with milk. The prophylactic dose is also 1 tablet, which contains 1 mg of the active substance.

With anemia

Anemia is a low concentration of hemoglobin and red blood cells in the blood. The essence of the treatment of this condition is the additional intake of substances that are not enough in the body. And this is iron, vitamin B12 and B9, aka folic acid.

For the treatment of anemia, both adults and children are prescribed an initial dose in the form of 1 tablet containing 1 mg of folic acid. For maintenance treatment, take 0.5 part of the tablet, which is 0.5 mg for adults, children under 4 years old are prescribed 0.3 mg.

With folic acid avitaminosis

With this diagnosis, adults are prescribed 5 mg of the vitamin per day. Children are prescribed a dosage depending on age and weight. The treatment period should be at least 25-30 days.

During the diet

An additional intake of vitamin B9 helps to activate the metabolic processes in the body and break down accumulated fats and acids. It is advisable to take this element along with vitamin C and vitamin B12. The dosage can be prescribed only by the attending physician after passing the necessary tests.

Can you not take folic acid during pregnancy?

Folic acid (what women need during pregnancy has already been described) is important for the body of both the expectant mother and the baby, because if it is deficient, the placenta does not form correctly in a woman or her detachment may occur.

There is a risk of developing pathologies in the fetus, in some of them, termination of pregnancy is strictly indicated, since in 100% of cases the fetus dies either in utero or in the first hours of life. For example, this happens with one of the disorders of the neural tube of the fetus, which is called anencephaly.

Lack of vitamin B9 in some cases leads to the following threats:

• problems with the nervous system of the newborn, namely dropsy in the brain, cerebral hernia, spinal column splitting;
• risk of spontaneous abortion or premature birth;
• intrauterine delay in the development of the baby;
• defects of the heart muscle and blood vessels;
• mental retardation;
• stillbirth;
• ventricular septal defects;
• cleft palate and upper lip;
• abnormal intrauterine development of the fetus.

When refusing to take folic acid during pregnancy, it is important to understand all the risks for mother and baby.

What foods contain folic acid

The ideal would be to get vitamin B9 from the food you eat.

Here is a list of foods that contain the highest amount of this vitamin:

If a person consumes a lot of the above products, this does not always mean that he receives enough vitamin B9, because. element is very fragile. During heat treatment, 90% of the vitamin is destroyed.

Products lose it even if they lie in the sun for a long time. The right amount of this element is found only in fresh products. If they have lain in the refrigerator for more than three days, this element is also destroyed.

Products containing folic acid

Pharmaceutical preparations will provide the body with the right amount of vitamin and prevent beriberi.

Foliber

The component of the remedy is not only vitamin B9, but also vitamin B12. It is prescribed for the preventive treatment of atherosclerosis, heart disease and during pregnancy planning.

Foliber is contraindicated in people with intolerance to the components that make up the tablets. It is necessary to take it with caution to women who have problems with the absorption of lactose and glucose. Usually they take 1 tab. per day, 1 hour before eating. The course lasts up to 30 days. The price ranges from 115 to 260 rubles.

Maltofer

The drug consists of iron polymaltose hydroxide (356 mcg) and vitamin B9 (0.35 mcg). It is more often prescribed for anemia (iron deficiency), insufficient amount of iron and vitamin B9 in the body, childbearing and during breastfeeding.

It is contraindicated if there is an excess of iron in the body, its absorption is impaired, or there are allergic reactions to the components of the drug. With the above anemia, 1-3 tablets are prescribed. per day. The treatment time is 3-4 months. During the bearing of the baby, 1 tab. 2 times a day until the hemoglobin level rises. The price ranges from 506 to 610 rubles.

Doppelherz active folic acid

As part of the drug: vitamin B9 (600 mcg), vitamin C (300 mcg), B6 ​​(6 mg), B12 (5 mcg), E (3 mcg). This composition promotes cell renewal. These tablets are prescribed for the prevention of diseases of the heart and blood vessels. They are useful to take during childbearing and lactation, to cure heart disease and gynecological diseases.

Prescribe 1 tab. per day while eating. The treatment time is 30-35 days. The price ranges from 1844 to 530 rubles.

Folic acid with vitamins B6 and B12 from Evalar

Such tablets consist of vitamin B9 (600 mcg), vitamin B12 (5 mcg) and vitamin B6 (6 mcg). They are considered a dietary supplement.

Taking this drug reduces the level of hemocysteine. Therefore, it is prescribed to prevent the occurrence of thrombosis and atherosclerosis. It is also recommended for women who are carrying a child, it helps to prevent the development of heart muscle diseases and complications after such.

Contraindication is intolerance to the components of the drug. Prescribe 1 tablet during meals, 1 time per day. The treatment time is 2 months. The price ranges from 85 to 185 rubles.

Interaction of folic acid with vitamins and minerals

Before starting a course of folic acid treatment, you need to learn how it interacts with other vitamins and minerals.

For example, folic acid has good compatibility with vitamin B12. Together they are involved in the synthesis of amino acids. But at the same time, long-term use of vitamin B9 sometimes leads to an acute shortage of vitamin B12. A prolonged lack of vitamin B6 leads to a lack of folic acid. Interacting with each other, they improve blood circulation, prevent the appearance of cholesterol plaques.

Folic acid also works well with vitamin C. Doctors recommend taking them together. Also, vitamin B9 can be combined with vitamins E and D. But vitamin B2 destroys folic acid, preventing it from being absorbed by the body. Also, vitamin B9 goes well with minerals: iron and iodine. But zinc interferes with the absorption of this vitamin.

Side effects

Side effects are sometimes manifested by an allergic reaction, namely a rash, anaphylactic reactions, bronchospasm. From the gastrointestinal tract, anorexia, nausea, bitterness in the mouth, diarrhea or bloating can be observed.

Possible sleep disturbance, irritability, aggression and hypovitaminosis of vitamin B12.

Contraindications

The main contraindications are:

• excessive sensitivity to the components of a particular drug;
• vitamin B12 deficiency anemia;
• lactose intolerance;
• lactose deficiency;
• children's age up to 3 years.

Taking any drug, even vitamin B9, which is folic acid, should be started only after consulting a doctor. Despite the fact that the female body needs it for beauty and health, it is important to determine the dosage in which to take the drug so that hypervitaminosis does not occur.

Article formatting: Vladimir the Great

Video about folic acid (Vitamin B9)

Elena Malysheva will tell you why you need folic acid for pregnant women:

Why does a person need folic acid:

Folic acid is required by a woman in a certain amount. It is involved in protein metabolism, which means that its deficiency will affect the state of the whole organism. This vitamin has the greatest influence on hematopoiesis and the neuroendocrine system. Folic acid is especially necessary for women after 40, since hormonal levels change at this age. Vitamin deficiency can exacerbate symptoms such as frequent flushing, emotional outbursts, and reduced performance.

Why does the female body need vitamin B9

Folic acid (vitamin B9) enters the body with food and is partially produced by the normal intestinal microflora.

Derivatives of folic acid are called folates. Folates are especially needed by rapidly dividing cells, which is why growing children and pregnant women need them to ensure proper growth and development of the fetus. The nervous system of the fetus can especially suffer from folate deficiency, so pregnant women are prescribed high doses of folate.

After 40 years, folic acid becomes even more important for a woman. This happens because the physiological process of hormonal changes in the body begins. Especially important is the fact that the secretion of estrogens, which supported the activity of not only the reproductive organs, but also the rest of the body, is reduced. The benefits of vitamin B9 are associated with its estrogen-like action.

How folate deficiency manifests itself

Folate is not stored in the body, so it needs to be replenished every day. More than half of women suffer from their deficiency. Most often this is due to:

• deficiency of vitamin B9 in the diet, since it is almost completely destroyed during the heat treatment of products;
• high need for folic acid in certain periods of life (during growth, pregnancy, menopause);
• violation of the absorption of folates in the intestine in various diseases of the digestive system.

The first symptoms of deficiency are loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, inability to perform daily duties. The mood is also disturbed, the extreme manifestation of this symptom is depression. There is irritable weakness, tearfulness, insomnia at night and drowsiness during the day.

Prolonged deficiency of vitamin B9 leads to the development of megaloblastic anemia. The condition is associated with a violation of the maturation of red blood cells - erythrocytes. Immature giant erythrocytes are called megaloblasts and do not cope with their function of transfer to the organs and tissues of the body.

The disease manifests itself in the form of loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath. Often stomatitis develops in the mouth - aphthous ulcers appear, gums bleed, hair falls out, nails become dull and brittle, memory is impaired, the ability to acquire new knowledge and skills.

All about vitamin B9 - in one video

What is the danger of hypovitaminosis B9 for women

In children and adolescents, vitamin deficiency manifests itself in a lag in growth and sexual development. In the second half of a woman's life, it can manifest itself in the form of an early menopause. Sometimes menopause begins on time (after 40 years), but proceeds with a number of unpleasant symptoms, then they talk about menopausal syndrome, which can develop against a background of folate deficiency.

The most dangerous is hypovitaminosis B9 during pregnancy. It is needed for the development of fetal nerve cells, which not only divide very quickly, but also acquire a certain specialization - they differentiate.

Deficiency is manifested by signs of impaired brain development in the fetus, which can be seen on ultrasound: swelling of the brain, an increase in the size of the head (hydrocephalus), underdevelopment or complete absence of the brain (microcephaly or anencephaly), the appearance of a crack in the spine, when the spinal cord of the fetus and outgoing from it the nerves remain uncovered (spina bifida,) and so on.

Sometimes the changes are not visible, but after birth the child lags behind in neuropsychic development. Against the background of vitamin B9 deficiency, the fetus may also develop other anomalies (heart defects, etc.).

Violations of the structure and function of the placenta are also possible. This can result in miscarriage and malnutrition of the fetus, as a result of which the brain suffers.

What is the danger of an overabundance of anti-anemic vitamin

If vitamins enter the body with food, their overdose is almost impossible. It is dangerous to take medicines and dietary supplements with folates for a long time.

Too much folate will cause vitamin B12 deficiency. This is manifested in the development of anemia and diseases of the peripheral nerves. Symptoms of an overdose of folic acid:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth;
• the appearance of increased anxiety, nervous excitability;
• insomnia;
• various kinds of elements of a rash on the skin;
• sharp paroxysmal pains in the heart.

With an excess of folic acid, the risk of rapid progression of tumor processes also increases, since all rapidly dividing cells need folic acid. If there is no tumor, folates prevent its development, but already in a state of precancer, they stimulate tumor growth.

Folic acid for women over 40

Between the ages of 40 and 45, menopause begins. This condition is also called perimenopause and is divided into 3 periods: premenopause (from the onset of menopause to the last menstruation), menopause (last menstruation) and postmenopause (after menopause).

Menopause is accompanied by emotional disorders, instability of blood pressure (BP), frequent hot flashes, etc. Metabolism is disturbed, which manifests itself in postmenopause in the form of osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and related pathology.

Why do women need folic acid after 45:

• due to estrogen-like properties - it has an effect similar to the female sex hormones estrogen; this property allows, if not eliminated, then significantly smooth out such symptoms of premenopause as hot flashes, sweating, blood pressure drops, palpitations, etc .;
• increases mental and physical performance, improves mood, eliminates depression; this happens because B9 is involved in the exchange of such neurotransmitters (substances through which nerve impulses are transmitted) as the stress hormone adrenaline and the happiness hormone serotonin;
• suppresses skin aging, reduces dryness of mucous membranes.

Why do women need folic acid after 50:

• B9 has anti-atherosclerotic properties - it normalizes cholesterol metabolism, prevents the deposition of atherosclerotic plaques and related diseases of the circulatory system;
• prevents osteoporosis;
• stimulates the synthesis of blood cells;
• stimulates the immune system, thus suppressing infections and oncological processes.

Vitamin B9 for Women's Health

The benefits of folate for a woman are invaluable: children and adolescents grow, their cells are intensively dividing. With a deficiency of folic acid, the girl lags behind in physical, mental and sexual development.

The impact of B9 on a woman of childbearing age is enormous. Under its influence, the neuroendocrine system functions correctly, on the state of which the health and appearance of a woman depends. During pregnancy, it is needed to carry the fetus.

When the physiological aging process begins, folates reduce the manifestations of menopausal syndrome. After 50 years, folic acid for women is a protection against such consequences of metabolic disorders as osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, etc.

Produce folic acid in tablets of 1 mg. For treatment, doctors prescribe large dosages of the drug (up to 5 mg per day). For prevention, 200 mcg per day (a fifth of the tablet) is enough. You need to take a vitamin once a day.

Folic acid and beauty

Vitamin B9 preserves the beauty and youth of a woman. The cells of the skin epithelium are constantly updated, the skin is rejuvenated. Reproduction of epithelial cells occurs by division with the participation of folic acid.

B9 is also involved in protein metabolism, as a result of which collagen and elastin proteins are formed in fibrocytes (connective tissue cells located in the deep layers of the skin), giving the skin an elastic, fresh look and elasticity.

How much folic acid does a woman need

The daily requirement of women for folic acid:

• 11 - 14 years old - 150 mcg;
• 15 years old and over forty years old - 200 mcg;
• pregnant women - 400 mcg;
• lactating mothers - 300 mcg.

Interaction of folic acid with vitamins and minerals

Folic acid supplementation works well with most vitamins and minerals. But before you start taking vitamins, you should consult your doctor and find out their compatibility. Compatibility of B9 with other vitamins and minerals:

• B12 (cyanocobalamin) - perfectly combined, complementing the action (but with long-term use folic acid deficiency develops cyanocobalamin and as a result - severe pernicious anemia);
• B6 (pyridoxine) - goes well and helps prevent atherosclerosis; prolonged B6 deficiency leads to B9 deficiency;
• B3 (nicotine, PP) - compatible;
• C (ascorbic) - perfectly combined, with ascorbic B9 it is better absorbed;
• E (tocopherol) - a neutral combination;
• A (retinol) - a neutral combination;
• D (calciferol) is a neutral combination.

Folic acid is not compatible with:

• B2 (riboflavin) - with this combination, B9 quickly decomposes;
• zinc - an insoluble precipitate is formed that is not absorbed into the blood.

What foods contain B9

A feature of the folates contained in the products is the impossibility of an overdose. Therefore, during menopause in the diet you need to have the following products:

• garden greens, especially parsley (115 mcg / 100 g), dill and leek feathers, asparagus (260 mcg / 100 g);
• vegetables - cabbage (30 mcg/100 g), carrots, pumpkin, beets, tomatoes (45 mcg/100 g);
• legumes - beans, lentils, beans (160 mcg / 100 g);
• cereals - wheat (50 mcg / 100g), rye, buckwheat, corn;
• nuts - most of all in peanuts (240 mcg / 100 g);
• seeds - sunflower, pumpkin, sesame;
• fruits - most of all in citrus fruits (30 mcg / 100 g);
• berries - raspberries, currants, strawberries, watermelons (30 mcg / 100 g);
• animal liver (up to 240 mcg/100 g);
• fish liver;
• eggs.

Vitamin B9 is essential for a woman's body. A woman especially needs this vitamin during pregnancy and menopause. It protects women from the unpleasant symptoms of menopause and from the consequences of metabolic disorders characteristic of this period.

About half a century ago, a balanced diet menu for both men and women was similar. Today, however, nutritionists are trying to take into account gender differences in the development of a healthy diet.

Folic acid for women after 40 years is one of the important components that allows you to look good at such a mature age.

Of all the known vitamins, folic acid is the most feminine.

General information

The chemical term is pteroyl-glutamic acid, which is part of the B vitamins. The substance was first isolated in 1941 from the green leaves of plants, which finally determined its name (from the Latin folium - green). Humans and animals obtain folic acid from food or through the synthesis of intestinal microflora. Like other nutrients, vitamin B9 is necessary for the formation and maintenance of new body cells, and therefore its presence is especially important during the period of rapid development - in the womb and early childhood. But no less necessary folic acid for women after 40 years and older.

Vitamin B9 performs one of the most important functions in the body - the production of red blood cells. The substance promotes the synthesis of protein in hemoglobin, which contains iron. The composition and quality of blood, as well as the rate of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, depends on whether the intake of folic acid in the body is sufficient. With a lack of this substance, a person can develop iron deficiency anemia. It is worth noting that the same vitamin is responsible for the appetite and normal digestive process.

Benefits after 40

Not only for pregnant women, but also for women after 40 years of age, folic acid is very useful. First of all, this substance affects hormonal function, allowing you to slow down the process of menopause. However, even with menopause, folic acid can have a beneficial effect on a woman's body. Sufficient intake of the vitamin helps to significantly reduce the unpleasant symptoms of menopause: hot flashes, sharp jumps in blood pressure, mood swings, and so on.

Modern scientists note another benefit of folic acid for women after 40 years. Vitamin B9 has been proven to help regulate the human nervous system. That is why it is often prescribed to women of mature age in order to avoid the occurrence of stress and depression in premenopause. In addition, folic acid prevents the excessive production of another acid - homocystin, a high concentration of which in the human body increases the risk of stroke and myocardial infarction, diabetes.

Sources of Folic Acid

Many foods are rich in vitamin B9. However, its main source is undoubtedly green vegetables and herbs (parsley, dill, lettuce, mint, etc.). Folic acid is also found in many fruits, beans, and animal products:

• Peas and beans;
• oranges;
• Apricots and bananas;
• Beef, pork, lamb;
• Liver;
• Hen;
• Cheese, milk and cottage cheese;
• Chicken eggs;
• Fatty fish (tuna and salmon).

Also, in small quantities, folic acid is produced by healthy intestinal microflora, but this is not enough for normal life.

Folic acid deficiency and excess

Any imbalance of vitamin B9 in the body affects the health, appearance and well-being of a person. A lack of folic acid for women over 40 can result in fatigue and weakness, frequent headaches, irritability, memory impairment and sleep disturbance. It is also possible to develop skin diseases - psoriasis, acne and vitiligo. The opposite phenomenon, an excess of vitamin B9, is extremely rare, since it is impossible to obtain such a large amount of folic acid from food. In adults, an overdose of a substance of synthetic origin causes digestive disorders, insomnia and increased excitability.

Related materials

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

What is folic acid for women

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

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

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

Compound

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

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

Why do women need

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daily dose

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

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

Deficiency symptoms

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

How to use

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

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

During pregnancy

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

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

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

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

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

When planning a pregnancy

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

When breastfeeding

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

Folic acid for women over 40

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

With anemia

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

For weight loss

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

Foods containing vitamin B9

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

• salad;
• parsley;
• Dill;
• spinach.

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

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

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

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

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

Products containing folic acid

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

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

Tablets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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