How to take folic acid

This acid itself is biologically inactive and for medical purposes it obtained artificially in the form of tablets or vitamin in ampoules. It is found in sufficient quantities in fresh vegetables (spinach, beans, beets, tomatoes), meat, liver, eggs, etc.

The acid is converted by the cells of the body into a biologically active form called tetrahydrofolate, which is contained in enzymes and thanks to it the human body produces amino acids.

You can learn more about folic acid and the foods with which the body receives part of the daily intake of this vitamin.

Administration of folic acid

Folic acid is essential for:

normal functioning of blood cells;
DNA synthesis;
the process of formation of erythrocytes and normoblasts;
treatment of macrocytic, megaloblastic, hyperchromic anemias;
effective antimicrobial therapy;
preventive treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Also, this acid promotes the formation of enzymes that have a preventive effect on the formation of tumors.

Instructions for use of folic acid

How and how much to take folic acid? On average, vitamin B9 must be taken in a course of 30 days orally at 0.5 - 1 mg from 1 to 3 times a day for adults, and for children from 25 - 200 mcg 1 time.

Form of release of folic acid

As a rule, this drug is produced in tablets or powder and is sold dosage of 1 mg, 25 or 50 pieces in one package. Regular packaging is a polymer container or a blisters. Also, this drug is produced under the name "Folic acid 9 months" for pregnant women. One tablet includes 0.4 mg and is available in 30, 60 and 90 pcs.

Vitamin B9 is also available in ampoules, good for injections and hair masks..

Production is carried out by pharmaceutical factories in different countries, both in pure form and in combination with other drugs. Depending on this, it fluctuates the price of this vitamin is from 15-20 rubles to 200 and more. So every consumer can find a worthy alternative for a reasonable price.

Indications and contraindications for the use of folic acid

Why is folic acid prescribed? For the treatment of anemia caused by a lack of vitamin B9, as well as as part of complex therapy in the presence of leukopenia or anemia that has developed against the background of taking medications and ionizing radiation.

Folic acid is no less effective in the treatment of tropical sprue diarrhea, intestinal tuberculosis and chronic gastroenteritis.

Almost always, vitamin tablets or injections are prescribed for pregnant and lactating women in order to avoid the development of hypovitaminosis, which is extremely dangerous for a growing baby.

Folic acid is a fairly safe drug, but its long-term use is still not recommended - it reduces the concentration of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) in the body. Contraindications for use are kidney disease, individual intolerance and bronchial asthma.

Folic acid dosage: how to take it correctly?

In different populations, the dosage of the drug varies. Thus, the daily doses of folic acid in women, men and children vary depending on the needs of their organisms.

Folic acid for women

Worldwide medical research has shown that practically every 2nd woman has a lack of vitamin B9. This is especially pronounced in those who take hormonal contraceptives or abuse alcohol.

Folic acid is especially important for women when planning pregnancy, because its insufficient amount in the mother's body can provoke a variety of congenital malformations and pathologies in the fetus. The risk of miscarriage, premature birth and placental abruption is greatly increased.

There is also a very high probability of a neural tube defect, the development of cerebral hernias, hydrocephalus, anencephaly and various spinal defects. The risk of having a child with a diagnosis of mental retardation or mental retardation is greatly increased. Pregnant women with vitamin B9 deficiency develop:

feeling unwell;
weakness;
dizziness;
vomit;
diarrhea;
hair loss;
anemia may develop.

That is why, long before the perfect moment when a woman finds two long-awaited strips on the test, she needs to prepare to the maximum.

Already 100 days before the start of planning a long-awaited pregnancy and during the entire period of bearing a baby, doctors recommend consuming from 0.4 to 0.8 mg of this acid every day. In the event that this is not the 1st pregnancy and pathologies are found in the development of the previous baby, the dosage of folic acid should be increased to 4 mg.

Read about the rules for taking folic acid during pregnancy.

Folic acid for men

Vitamin B9, which is responsible for the formation of new cells in the body of men affects sperm count. Vitamin deficiency leads to a decrease in the quality and quantity of sperm, and sometimes even infertility.

Also, a limited amount of vitamin B9 in the body can negatively affect the unborn child in the form of hereditary abnormalities - schizophrenia, epilepsy, Down syndrome. So, men, as well as women, need to take folic acid before conception within 100 days.

For adolescent boys, folic acid is also necessary for the normal regulation of spermogenesis, as it is for adult men. With a lack of vitamin boys grow much more slowly than their peers, their memory deteriorates, they become distracted, their appetite disappears.

To obtain the required amount of vitamin, you need to eat foods rich in its content, namely fresh vegetables, offal, fish, cottage cheese, cheese. Also, additional use will not be superfluous: for the prevention of deficiency, the dosage for men is only one tablet of folic acid per day (1 mg), and from 2 to 5 tablets are prescribed for treatment.

Folic acid for children

For the body of children vitamin B9 is especially needed during active growth from development in the womb to 3 years. In the first months from the birth of a child, folic acid is necessary for the growth of all organs and systems.

Children up to a year who are breastfed, no additional folic acid is required, provided that the mother is balanced and well fed.

Depending on the age of the child, vitamin B9 is prescribed in the following amount per day:

from 0 to 6 months - 25 mcg
from 6 to 12 months - 35 mcg
from 1 to 3 years - 50 mcg
from 3 to 6 years - 75 mcg
from 6 to 10 - 100 mcg
from 10 to 14 - 150 mcg
from fourteen - 200 mcg.

One tablet contains 1 mg (1000 mcg) of the vitamin, therefore, for ease of use, it is recommended that parents dilute the tablet in water and use a measuring syringe to measure the right amount.

Side effects and overdose of folic acid

Side effects from long-term use of this vitamin include:

displacement of vitamin B12;
development of pernicious anemia;
rash, itchy skin, asthma attack (allergic reaction);
an increase in the epithelium in the tubules of the kidneys.

An overdose of folic acid contributes to insomnia, convulsions, excessive excitability, and can also cause diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. In such a situation, you should contact your doctor. In the future, it may be necessary to reduce the dose of folic acid or temporarily completely abandon it.

Vitamin deficiencies are a common cause of hair loss. What vitamins against hair loss are really good -

People have known about the benefits of vitamin B9 (folic acid) for a long time, but only relatively recently, doctors began to actively promote the use of this substance among the population. Folic acid is prescribed during the period of bearing a child, it is included in complex therapy in the treatment of heart disease, there is a lot of controversy about how this vitamin is capable of provoking the development of cancer or it is an inhibitory factor in the growth of cancer cells. Only one thing is indisputable - folic acid is needed by the body of every person, but its intake is especially important for women.

Features of folic acid

The benefits of vitamins and minerals are known to all. Many of us know what calcium and magnesium are, why iron is needed in the body, and what effect vitamins B6, B12, A and C, PP and D have. Vitamin B9, folic acid, in which the active substance is folate, remains undeservedly forgotten.

Note:folic acid cannot be produced by the body itself, and its ability to accumulate in tissues and organs is zero. Even if a person introduces the maximum amount of foods containing vitamin B9 into his diet, the body will absorb less than half of the original volume. The main disadvantage of folic acid is that it destroys itself even with a slight heat treatment (storage of the product in a room with room temperature is enough).

Folates are a fundamental component in the process of DNA synthesis and maintaining its integrity. In addition, it is vitamin B9 that contributes to the production of specific enzymes by the body, which are actively involved in the prevention of the formation of malignant tumors.

The lack of folic acid in the body was detected in people aged 20-45 years, in pregnant and lactating women. This can lead to the development of megaloblastic anemia (oncology associated with a decrease in DNA synthesis), the birth of children with developmental defects. There are also certain clinical symptoms indicating a lack of folic acid in the body - fever, often diagnosed inflammatory processes, disorders in the digestive system (diarrhea, nausea, anorexia), hyperpigmentation.

Important:natural folic acid is absorbed much worse than synthetic: taking 0.6 μg of a substance in the form of a medication is equal to 0.01 mg of folic acid in its natural form.

The National Academy of Sciences in 1998 published a general instruction on the use of folic acid. The dosage according to these data will be as follows:

optimal - 400 mcg per day per person;
minimum - 200 mcg per person;
during pregnancy - 400 mcg;
during lactation - 600 mcg.

note: in any case, the dosage of vitamin B9 is set on an individual basis and the above values can only be used for a general understanding of the daily dosage of the drug. There are clear restrictions on the daily amount of the substance under consideration when planning pregnancy and during the period of bearing / feeding a child, as well as in the case of the use of folic acid for the prevention of cancer.

Folic acid and pregnancy

Folic acid is responsible for DNA synthesis, it is actively involved in cell division, in their restoration. Therefore, the drug in question must be taken both during pregnancy planning, and during the period of bearing a child, and during breastfeeding.

Folic acid is given to women who have stopped taking birth control and are planning a baby. It is necessary to start using the substance in question as soon as the decision is made to conceive and give birth to a child - the importance of the absolute abundance of folic acid in the mother's body in the first days / weeks of pregnancy is difficult to assess. The fact is that at the age of two weeks, the brain is already beginning to form in the embryo - at this time, a woman may not be aware of pregnancy. In the early stages of pregnancy, the baby's nervous system is also formed - folic acid is necessary for proper cell division and the formation of an absolutely healthy body. Why do gynecologists prescribe vitamin B9 to women when planning a pregnancy? The substance in question takes an active part in hematopoiesis, which occurs during the formation of the placenta - with a lack of folic acid, pregnancy can result in a miscarriage.

A lack of folic acid in a woman's body during her pregnancy can lead to the development of birth defects:

"hare lip";
hydrocephalus;
"cleft palate";
neural tube defect;
violation of the mental and intellectual development of the child.

Ignoring folic acid prescriptions from a gynecologist can lead to premature birth, placental abruption, stillbirth, miscarriage - according to scientific studies, in 75% of cases, this development can be prevented by taking folic acid 2-3 months before pregnancy.

After childbirth, it is also not worth interrupting the course of taking the substance in question - postpartum depression, apathy, general weakness are the result of a lack of folic acid in the body of the mother. In addition, in the absence of additional introduction of folates into the body, there is a deterioration in the quality of breast milk, its quantity decreases, which affects the growth and development of the child.

Dosage of folic acid during pregnancy and lactation

During the period of planning and carrying a pregnancy, doctors prescribe folic acid to a woman in the amount of 400-600 mcg per day. During breastfeeding, the body needs a higher dosage - up to 600 mcg per day. In some cases, women are prescribed a dose of 800 micrograms of folic acid per day, but only a gynecologist should make such a decision based on the results of the examination of the woman's body. An increased dosage of the substance in question is prescribed for:

Diabetes mellitus and epilepsy diagnosed in a woman;
existing congenital diseases in the family;
the need to constantly take medications (they make it difficult for the body to absorb folic acid);
the birth of earlier children with a history of folate-dependent diseases.

Important : in what quantities a woman should take folic acid during the periods of planning / bearing pregnancy and lactation, the gynecologist should indicate. It is strictly forbidden to choose a “convenient” dosage on your own.

If a woman is absolutely healthy, then vitamin B9 is prescribed in the form of multivitamin preparations that a woman needs when planning a pregnancy and bearing a child. They are sold in pharmacies and are intended for expectant mothers - Elevit, Pregnavit, Vitrum Prenatal and others.

If the need for an increased dosage of folic acid is identified, a woman is prescribed drugs with a high content of vitamin B9 - Folacin, Apo-Folic.

note: to know exactly how many capsules / tablets to take per day, you need to study the instructions for the drug and get advice from a gynecologist.

The principle of using preparations containing folic acid is simple: before or during meals, drinking plenty of water.

Overdose and contraindications

Recently, it has become "fashionable" to prescribe folic acid to pregnant women in the amount of 5 mg per day - apparently, they want to fill the body with vitamin B9 for sure. This is absolutely wrong! Despite the fact that excess folic acid is excreted from the body 5 hours after intake, an increased dosage of folic acid can lead to the development of anemia, increased excitability, kidney dysfunction, and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. It is believed that the maximum allowable dose of folic per day is 1 mg, 5 mg per day is a therapeutic dose that is prescribed for diseases of the cardiovascular system and other parts of the body.

Should be clarified : even with an overdose of folic acid as prescribed by a doctor, there is no negative effect on the intrauterine development of the fetus. Only the body of the expectant mother suffers.

A contraindication to the appointment of folic acid is an individual intolerance to the substance or hypersensitivity to it. If such a disorder was not detected before the appointment, then after taking preparations with vitamin B9, a rash and itching on the skin, facial flushing (redness), and bronchospasm may appear. If these symptoms appear, you should immediately stop taking the prescribed drugs and inform your doctor about it.

The benefits of folic acid for pregnant women are described in detail in the video review:

Folic acid in foods

Folic acid and cancer: evidence from official studies

Many sources indicate that folic acid is prescribed in the treatment of cancer. But on this occasion, the opinions of scientists / doctors are divided - some studies confirm that it is this substance that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and serve as a preventive measure in oncology, but others have indicated the growth of malignant tumors when taking drugs with folic acid.

Overall Cancer Risk Assessment with Folic Acid

The results of a large study assessing the overall risk of developing cancer in patients taking folic acid supplements were published in January 2013 in The Lancet.

“This study provides confidence in the safety of taking folic acid for a period not exceeding five years, both in the form of supplements and in the form of fortified foods.”

The study involved about 50,000 volunteers, who were divided into 2 groups: the first group was regularly given folic acid preparations, the other group was given a placebo "dummy". The folic acid group had 7.7% (1904) new cases of cancer, while the placebo group had 7.3% (1809) new cases. A marked increase in the overall incidence of cancer was not seen even in people with a high average intake of folic acid (40 mg per day), experts say.

Risks of developing breast cancer when taking folic acid

In January 2014, the results of another study were published. Scientists have studied the risks of developing breast cancer in women taking folic acid. Canadian researchers at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, including Dr. Yong-In-Kim, lead author of the study, found that folic acid supplements taken by breast cancer patients can promote the growth of malignant cells.

Previously, some scientists argued that folate is able to protect against various types of cancer, including breast cancer. However, studies by Canadian scientists have shown that folic acid intake at a dosage of 2.5 mg 5 times a day for 2-3 consecutive months significantly contributes to the growth of existing precancerous or cancerous cells in the mammary glands. rodents. Important: this dosage is many times higher than the dosage recommended for humans.

Folic acid and prostate cancer risks

In March 2009, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of a study of the relationship between folic acid intake and the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Scientists from the University of Southern California, in particular, study author Jane Figueiredo, found that taking vitamin supplements with folic acid more than doubles the risk of developing prostate cancer.

The researchers followed the health status of 643 male volunteers for more than six and a half years, with an average age of about 57 years. All men were divided into 2 groups: the first group received folic acid (1 mg) daily, the second group was given a placebo. During this time, 34 study participants were diagnosed with prostate cancer. Based on their data, scientists calculated the likelihood of developing prostate cancer in all participants for 10 years and came to the conclusion that 9.7% of people from the 1st group (taking folic acid) and only 3.3% can get cancer. men from the second group (taking "pacifiers").

Folic acid and throat cancer

In 2006, scientists at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart found that taking large doses of folic acid helps regress leukoplakia of the larynx (a precancerous disease that precedes cancer of the larynx).

The experiment involved 43 people who were diagnosed with leukoplakia of the larynx. They took 5 mg of folic acid 3 times a day. The results of the study, published by its leader Giovanni Almadori, surprised physicians: regression was recorded in 31 patients. In 12 - a complete cure, in 19 - a decrease in spots by 2 or more times. Italian scientists analyzed and found that in the blood of patients with head and neck cancer, as well as patients suffering from laryngeal leukoplakia, the concentration of folic acid is reduced. Based on this, a hypothesis was put forward about a low level of folate as a provoking factor in the development and progression of oncological diseases.

Folic acid and colon cancer

Previously, scientists from the American Cancer Society proved that vitamin B9 significantly reduces the risk of development - it is enough to consume folic acid in the form of natural products (spinach, meat, liver, animal kidneys, sorrel) or synthetic preparations.

Tim Byers found that patients who took dietary folic acid supplements had an increase in the number of polyps in the intestines (polyps are considered precancerous conditions). Important: the scientists emphasized that we are talking about the use of drugs, and not products containing folates.

Note: most of the studies confirming the increased risk of malignant neoplasms are based on taking doses many times higher than the minimum recommended. Remember that the recommended dose is 200-400 micrograms. Most folic acid preparations contain 1 mg of folate, which is 2.5 to 5 times the daily value!

Tsygankova Yana Alexandrovna, medical observer, therapist of the highest qualification category

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin B9. The vitamin was first identified in 1930 by Wils and Mehta. The discovery was called "The Wheels Factor". Folic acid supplementation has helped cure anemic pregnant women in India.

This vitamin was later obtained from spinach leaves and was called folic acid (from the Latin folium - leaf). Unlike most bacteria and yeasts, mammals cannot synthesize folic acid on their own and therefore require folic acid in their diet. This vitamin is present in the body in a family of at least nine structurally related chemical compounds collectively referred to as folic acid. The term "folic acid" refers to the synthetic form of vitamin B9. Folic acid, which is not biologically active on its own, is found in foods. It is also available as a dietary supplement. Folic acid can be converted by living cells in the body into a biologically active form called tetrahydrofolic acid.

The use of folic acid

Folic acid and its dependent reactions are fundamental for DNA synthesis and maintenance of its integrity. Thus, the use of folic acid is necessary for cell growth and replication, as well as for antimicrobial drug therapy. In addition, the use of folic acid contributes to the production of special enzymes, the action of which ensures the prevention of the appearance of tumors.

The most common disorders of folate metabolism result from insufficient intake of folic acid, the use of certain drug therapy, smoking, alcoholism, and genetic mutations. Folic acid deficiency occurs in many populations, including pregnant and lactating women, women aged twenty to forty-four, adolescents, and the elderly. Folic acid intake should be increased significantly during pregnancy due to the high demand for folate from the growing fetus and placenta. Folic acid deficiency can manifest as megaloblastic anemia associated with an increase in red blood cells due to a decrease in DNA synthesis. Other clinical symptoms include inflammation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, hyperpigmentation, and fever. The price of folic acid is rather insignificant, combined with the benefits that can not be overestimated. In addition, folic acid tablets are commercially available.

folic acid intake

In 1998, the National Academy of Sciences issued a package leaflet for folic acid that listed the dosage of folic acid. The optimal dose of folic acid is in the range of 400 mcg for men and women aged fourteen years and younger, with a minimum folic acid dose of 200 mcg per person per day.

How to drink folic acid? For these groups of people, the source of folic acid is not important. However, it is recommended that women of childbearing age consume additional 400 micrograms of folic acid per day from fortified foods and/or supplement folic acid with the diet. It is very important that during pregnancy women consume folic acid in sufficient quantities, the price of the issue in this case is the birth of a healthy child. However, indications for the use of folic acid have limitations. Doses of folic acid should not exceed 1 mg per day.

Synthetic folic acid is better absorbed by the intestines than natural folic acid. 0.01 mg of dietary folic acid is equivalent to 0.6 micrograms of synthetic folic acid.

Folic acid. Instruction

Indications for the use of folic acid include the following cases:

Abnormal Pap smear results - may occur with long-term use of birth control pills. In this case, folic acid is used for treatment. Instructions for use indicate how to drink folic acid in this case - doses of 10 mg per day. Reception must be carried out under the supervision of a physician. Large doses of folic acid are indicated to improve smear scores.

Birth defects - before pregnancy and in the first weeks of pregnancy, folic acid is additionally taken. Doses are at least 400 micrograms per day. Taking folic acid reduces the chance of neural tube defects.

Depression and folic acid deficiency - the dosage is prescribed by the doctor, after assessing the condition. Reviews show that taking folic acid helps to get rid of the negative effects of depression.

Folic acid is used to lower homocysteine levels. The instructions for use recommend a volume of 400 to 1000 mcg daily in combination with vitamin B6 (10 to 50 mcg) and B12 (50 to 300 mcg). Vitamin B6, folic acid, and vitamin B12 all play a role in converting homocysteine to other substances in the body and consequently lowering its levels in further tests.

Pregnancy and postpartum support. The dosage of folic acid is 800 mcg per day. Start taking the drug - before pregnancy. Supplementation with folic acid tablets protects against birth defects.

Schizophrenia and folic acid deficiency. The dosage of folic acid is 10 to 20 mg per day under medical supervision. This is the maximum amount of drug use among all cases of diseases. People with schizophrenia may tend to be deficient in folic acid and may show improvement with dietary supplementation.

Age-related weakening of intellectual activity. Folic acid is also prescribed. Reception at a rate of 800 mcg per day. Studies have shown that older people need folic acid. The indication is based on evidence of slowing the rate of cognitive decline in people with high homocysteine levels.

Atherosclerosis. After consulting a doctor, folic acid is prescribed. Taking folic acid may help lower homocysteine levels. Blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine have been linked to atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Mammary cancer. Folic acid may reduce the risk of breast cancer by reversing DNA damage. Naturally, the treatment process begins after the cessation of alcohol consumption. Folic acid tablets are taken at a dosage of 400 mcg per day.

celiac disease. As a result of certain deviations in the activity of the body, a deficiency of nutrients occurs. However, only a doctor can prescribe folic acid. Taking the drug can correct this deficiency.

Colon cancer, folic acid treatment. Indications for use: An effective remedy for colon cancer, especially in people with ulcerative colitis and people who drink alcohol. Dose - 400 mcg per day.

Bad breath and gum disease - the treatment drug is folic acid. Instructions for use involves the use of 5 ml twice a day in a 0.1% solution. Often recommended by doctors for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis. Folic acid is also used to alleviate the effects of gingivitis. How to take: Diluted mouthwash.

Heart attack is also one of the cases when folic acid is used. The dosage is from 500 to 800 mcg per day. Taking folic acid helps lower homocysteine levels. Exceeding the normal level of homocysteine is associated with an increased risk of heart attack.

Temporary lameness - alpha-linolenic acid, fish oil, oleic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin E, folic acid. Dosage: 200 mg EPA and 130 mg DHA per day, plus small amounts of vitamin B6, vitamin E, folic acid, oleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid.

Macular degeneration - vitamins: B6, B12, folic acid. The instruction prescribes the use of 2.5 mg of folic acid, 50 mg of vitamin B6 and 1 mg of vitamin B12. Two independent studies have shown that supplementing these vitamins leads to a reduction in age-related macular degeneration.

Migraine (for most people) - 5 mg per day of folic acid. Reviews of folic acid supplementation show that the frequency of migraines is reduced in people with high homocysteine levels.

Osteoporosis and high homocysteine levels - vitamin B12 and folic acid are prescribed. The instruction recommends taking 5 mg of folic acid daily. Homocystinuria, a condition associated with high levels of homocysteine, often causes osteoporosis. By lowering homocysteine levels, folic acid may help prevent osteoporosis.

Pre-eclampsia is the daily intake of folic acid. Instructions: in the amount of 5 mg. Supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B6 can lead to a decrease in homocysteine levels. High levels of homocysteine damage the lining of blood vessels and can lead to symptoms of preeclampsia.

sickle cell anemia and high homocystin levels. You need to consult a doctor about taking folic acid. The dosage is appointed individually. In one study of patients with sickle cell anemia who were given folic acid plus garlic extract, vitamin C, vitamin E, significant improvements and less painful crises were found.

Skin ulcers. On the recommendation of the attending physician, folic acid is prescribed. The instruction tells how to take the drug - a large amount of folic acid, both orally and by injection, can help heal chronic skin ulcers caused by poor blood circulation.

In addition to all of the above, folic acid is included in the treatment compositions for such diseases: Thalassemia, ulcerative colitis, vitiligo, Alzheimer's disease, bipolar disorder, Crohn's disease, diarrhea, Down's syndrome, epilepsy, lung cancer, psoriasis and a number of other diseases.

Folic acid is available in pharmacies without a prescription. Vitamin B9 tablets are pale yellow to yellow in color. When choosing a drug, the dosage of a particular form of release should be taken into account. The order in which folic acid is taken depends on this. For example, the popular remedy "Folic Acid 9 Months" has a dosage of 400 mcg. It is this drug that doctors often recommend: this dosage corresponds to the daily recommended need of a pregnant woman for vitamin B9. One 1 mg tablet covers the daily requirement for folate by more than 2 times. The drug "Folic acid" tablets contains 400 micrograms of the active substance, the weight of the tablet is 280 mg.

Recall the dosages of vitamin B9 for various cases:

For the prevention of pathological conditions, an adult needs 200 mcg (0.2 mg) of vitamin per day - that is, half a tablet of 0.4 mg.
When planning pregnancy and during the period of bearing a child, the recommended dose of the drug is from 400 mcg (0.4 mg) to 800 (0.8 mg) per day.
Doses of 0.5 mg and above are used in the treatment of a number of pathologies, but it is not recommended to consume folate in such quantities during pregnancy.

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Perhaps any couple who wants to conceive a baby knows about a vitamin called folic acid. Moreover, gynecologists strongly advise starting a course of vitamin B9 (another name for “folk”) just before pregnancy. With its help, the female body prepares for conception.

At what dosage should women take folic acid for conception when planning a pregnancy? This issue requires detailed consideration.

Modern women are deliberately preparing for the appearance of crumbs (read the article about). Following the recommendations of the doctor, they undergo a medical examination and. Regardless of their results, the gynecologist will advise you to drink folic acid when planning a pregnancy.

A woman planning to conceive a baby should make an integral part of her life. It is important to use medications that contain synthetic vitamins, and eat foods rich in natural trace elements. Affects conception and what lifestyle young parents lead: at this time it is important to give up bad habits.

Before taking synthetic vitamin complexes, you should consult with a gynecologist. Their uncontrolled use can cause malfunctions in the normal functioning of the female body. In this case, vitamins can harm, not help.

However, their importance cannot be ignored. For example, folic acid is necessary for conception.

We list the properties of folacin:

helps proteins to digest;
promotes cell division;
affects blood circulation;
prevents the development of atherosclerosis;
improves appetite and general well-being.

Waiting for a miracle

When planning a pregnancy, folic acid is needed both by the expectant mother (for hormonal levels) and by the unborn baby. In the early stages, this vitamin is involved in the formation of the neural tube. Moreover, in order to get pregnant quickly and live this happy time without problems, you need to drink vitamin B9 much more than always.

Gynecologists unanimously agree that folic acid helps to get pregnant. In addition, "folk" will help eliminate many deviations from the normal functioning of the fetus in the mother's body.

Fetal defects occur in the first weeks of pregnancy, when women are usually unaware of conception. Therefore, it is important to start taking folic acid when planning a pregnancy, and not after it has occurred.

If, before conception, the female body did not accumulate the required amount of folacin, the pregnant woman will face many other troubles that can occur with a lack of folic acid:

placental abruption;
miscarriage in the early stages;
frozen pregnancy;
the appearance of multiple malformations.

Taking "folka" before pregnancy contributes to the proper growth and development of cells and tissues.

The value of vitamin B9

If there is a vitamin deficiency in food, the result will be noticeable after a few months: folate deficiency anemia will begin to develop in the body. It provokes the appearance of immature red blood cells and a decrease in hemoglobin. Because of this, the woman becomes irritable, her appetite decreases, she quickly gets tired and suffers from depression.

These characteristic symptoms after a while can be supplemented by hair loss, vomiting and diarrhea.

Folacin does not have accumulative properties, therefore, there is always a need for a vitamin. A woman needs to regularly replenish B9 supplies so that the body works correctly and the reproductive system does not fail.

When planning a pregnancy, folic acid should be in the right amount in the body already 2-3 months before conception occurs.

Gynecologists suggest that this time is enough for a woman so that the lack of the vitamin does not affect pregnancy.

But the dosage of folic acid when planning pregnancy is selected taking into account the characteristics of the body of each woman.

Contraindications

Like any drug, B9 has a number of contraindications. In particular, hypersensitivity to this vitamin.

If a woman has the diseases indicated in the annotation, then folic acid intake when planning pregnancy and its dosage will be determined by the attending gynecologist.

The instruction indicates that folacin cannot be combined with certain drugs (click to enlarge the instruction).

Not always taking folacin will help the fetus to form correctly. This may be due to incomplete absorption of the vitamin.

The body "does not accept" folacin or assimilates it partially under such conditions:

woman smokes;
suffers from alcohol addiction;
lives in regular stress;
does not get enough sleep;
takes hormonal drugs;

How and how much to take

The norm of folic acid is 200 mcg every day (provided that the person is absolutely healthy). If a woman wants to conceive, then the dose of folic acid should be increased.

How much folic acid to drink when planning a pregnancy? Only a personal gynecologist can answer this question. After the examination, the doctor will indicate the right amount of vitamin for a particular woman.

In large quantities, folic acid is needed for women who have impaired functions of the gastrointestinal tract. An unbalanced diet is another reason why folacin is not absorbed by the body.

Folic acid is found in many multivitamin complexes and supplements, so its amount in tablets varies. In the absence of special medical recommendations, when planning fertilization, it is necessary to take 400 mcg of "folk" every day. If during previous pregnancies there were pathologies of fetal development, then the dose can be increased to 1200 mcg. But the doctor must prescribe the therapeutic dose. It is advisable to start taking three to six months before conception, at least a month. If pregnancy occurs, vitamin supplementation should be continued for at least 12 weeks.

Doctors say that it is quite difficult to overdose on B9, since its excess is excreted from the body. Therefore, it is better to slightly overdose than to create a deficiency.

Medicines that contain folacin

There are many complexes that have "folk" in their composition. The content of B9 in them is different: from a preventive dose to a therapeutic one.

The gynecologist will advise the patient on the right drug, since only a doctor can calculate how much folic acid a woman needs.

"Folic acid". This medicinal product contains 1 mg of vitamin B9.
The drug "Folio" is very popular when planning a pregnancy. Its popularity is due to the fact that it contains folacin and iodine. They are necessary for the proper development of the fetus and the well-being of the expectant mother. The dosage of these trace elements is preventive, so most women successfully use it to compensate for folic acid deficiency.
"Folacin" and "Apo-Folic" - preparations with folic acid. The content of the vitamin in them is increased. They are taken when a lack of folacin is detected. That is, the dose contained in these drugs is therapeutic.
All multivitamin complexes for pregnant women contain folic acid.

In addition to taking prophylactic doses of the vitamin, it is important to introduce foods rich in folacin into the diet.
These are fresh vegetables, herbs, legumes. There is a lot of this vitamin in pumpkin and buckwheat, as well as in some fruits. There is also folacin in animal products, but there is much less of it.

The amount of folacin decreases during cooking, so it is better to eat a green leaf salad than a pound of boiled beans.

Folic acid (vitamin B9) is most often prescribed for pregnant women and people suffering from iron deficiency anemia. However, drinking is good for all people, but not everyone knows how to take it correctly.

Why should you take folic acid?

Folic acid is an excellent prevention of atherosclerosis, thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Those people who regularly take folic acid are less likely to suffer from strokes. This vitamin is involved in metabolism, immune cell synthesis and many other processes.

But it is especially important to drink folic acid for pregnant women, as it significantly reduces the risk of congenital malformations in the fetus. Clinical studies have shown that the risk of malformations is reduced by 80% if a woman starts taking vitamin B9 even at the stage of pregnancy planning.

First of all, the lack of folic acid negatively affects the nervous system of the fetus and the production of blood cells. A woman has an increased risk of spontaneous abortion. And with a lack of vitamin B9 in breast milk during the feeding period, the child may develop anemia, mental retardation, and weak immunity.

How to drink folic acid correctly?

With folate deficiency anemia, adults should take vitamin B9 at 1 mg per day. Newborns are prescribed 0.1 mg per day, children under 4 years old - 0.3 mg per day, from 4 to 14 years old - 0.4 mg per day. During pregnancy and lactation, it is recommended from 0.1 to 1 mg per day. With severe, alcoholism, chronic infections, hemolytic anemia, cirrhosis of the liver and some other diseases, up to 5 mg of folic acid per day is prescribed. How long to drink folic acid, the doctor will tell you, since this question is purely individual. However, most often, the duration of taking B9 is from one to three months, depending on the reasons for which it was prescribed.