Is it possible folic. Folic acid: benefits and harms, composition, instructions for use and indications. From the life of vitamins: what duties does folic acid perform in the body

Including folic acid.

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Ovulation occurs 14 days before the start of the menstrual cycle (with a 28-day cycle - on the 14th day). Deviation from the mean value is frequent, so the calculation is approximate.

Also, along with the calendar method, you can measure basal temperature, examine cervical mucus, use special tests or mini-microscopes, take tests for FSH, LH, estrogen and progesterone.

You can definitely set the day of ovulation through folliculometry (ultrasound).

Sources:

Losos, Jonathan B.; Raven, Peter H.; Johnson, George B.; Singer, Susan R. Biology. New York: McGraw-Hill. pp. 1207-1209.
Campbell N. A., Reece J. B., Urry L. A. e. a. Biology. 9th ed. - Benjamin Cummings, 2011. - p. 1263
Tkachenko B. I., Brin V. B., Zakharov Yu. M., Nedospasov V. O., Pyatin V. F. Human Physiology. Compendium / Ed. B. I. TKACHENKO. - M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2009. - 496 p.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovulation

Why is it necessary?

The value of folic acid for the body is obvious. It is prescribed to almost all women when planning a pregnancy. It is worth noting right away that, as with any rule, there are a number of exceptions. However, for the appointment of folic acid, they are practically not available.

Optimal intake of folic acid in the body should be daily. Only in this situation can a positive and lasting result be achieved. Such a regular intake helps to improve the functioning of the woman's immune system.

Pregnancy is a special period when immunity indicators deteriorate. That is why the risk of infection with various infections of pregnant women is quite high. Insufficient intake of various vitamins and microelements, including folic acid, significantly impairs the functioning of the immune system. This leads to the fact that both the expectant mother and her baby can easily get sick.

Sufficient intake of folic acid normalizes the work of the gastrointestinal tract. To some extent, this reduces the likelihood of various toxic infections and food poisoning.

The most important role of folic acid and its metabolites in the female body is protection from various chromosomal and gene mutations. Such pathologies are extremely dangerous, as they can lead to the formation of various anomalies and pronounced defects in the structure of the internal organs of the baby. Only regular intake of folic acid preparations will help to significantly reduce the risk of their occurrence.

Scientists believe that this substance also has a positive effect on protein metabolism. It improves the speed of various biological reactions that take place in the body. This leads to internal organs begin to function in full mode.

Also, this substance is involved in hematopoiesis. Blood is the main nutrient medium for all body cells. It contributes to the delivery of all the substances necessary for the growth and development of the baby, as well as oxygen. To ensure full-fledged functions, it is necessary that a sufficient amount of all formed elements be present in the blood.

Folic acid also has a beneficial effect on blood vessels. Scientists point out that regular intake of this substance can slow down the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

Insufficient intake of folic acid can lead to the fact that women may develop anemia.

This pathological condition is characterized by a significant change in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin. In such a situation, the course of pregnancy can be complicated by the development of multiple pathologies. To compensate for the violations that have arisen, it will be necessary to prescribe a whole complex of various drugs.

Women who do not receive enough folic acid at the stage of pregnancy planning are at increased risk for the development of various disorders in the nervous system. Often such patients complain to their doctors about the appearance of a feeling of "goosebumps" on the skin. Hands and feet become cold to the touch, there is a constant feeling of chilliness.

Folic acid supplements are often prescribed for women who have problems conceiving. The regular intake of this substance in the body is somewhat improves fertility. It is also necessary for the further development of the fetus in the mother's womb - from its implantation to the wall of the uterus and up to the very birth.

A regular intake of folic acid is necessary not only for the expectant mother, but also for her baby. This helps to reduce the likelihood of the formation of various birth defects and anomalies of the brain and organs of the nervous system. The risk of giving birth to babies with various genetic mutations with the regular use of folic acid preparations by the expectant mother is also significantly reduced.

Many experts believe that the timely intake of these drugs helps to reduce the adverse outcome of pregnancy - its "fading". This pathology occurs in the first half of fetal development. In this case, its further development is impossible. In such a situation, unfortunately, it is required to terminate the pregnancy.

Some scientists note that regular intake of folic acid before pregnancy helps reduce the likelihood of babies developing pathologies such as cleft lip and palate. Both of these diseases require mandatory medical intervention and treatment. After the child will require a long period of rehabilitation.

A course of folic acid before pregnancy is very important. It contributes to the fact that in the first trimester organogenesis (the formation and formation of the internal organs of the fetus) will occur fully.

It is especially important how the neural tube is formed in the child. If at this stage of its intrauterine development any pathologies arise, then this will contribute to the further development of various neurological disorders in the baby. They appear after childbirth.

Dosage

This tool has a positive effect on the work of all female genital organs. Course intake of vitamin E helps to normalize menstrual cycle and also favorably affects the condition of the skin, hair and nails.

It is very important in this case to choose the optimal dosage. It is chosen taking into account the initial state of the woman, as well as with a mandatory assessment by the doctor of the presence of concomitant diseases. One of the commonly used remedies is "Aevit". This drug is well tolerated and practically does not cause allergic reactions.

There are quite a few iodine-deficient regions in our country. In these places, people have a very high incidence of endemic goiter and other pathologies of the thyroid gland.

Women living in such iodine-deficient regions should definitely further enrich their daily diet with foods that contain iodine.

For additional prevention of the development of various thyroid diseases, doctors recommend that they use iodine-containing drugs.

One of these drugs is "Jodomarin". It is important to note that not everyone can appoint it. Before use, it is very important to consult with your doctor. It is not always possible for women with thyroid diseases to use iodine-containing products, but only for certain medical reasons.

Admission course

Folic acid may be prescribed for long time. In some cases, doctors recommend drinking it for months. The scheme of such preventive treatment is strictly individual. In most cases, folic acid preparations are prescribed 2.5-3 months before the planned conception of the baby.

The frequency of use is also determined by the doctor. In most cases, folic acid preparations are prescribed to be taken 1-2 times a day. In some situations, it is allowed to use these drugs three times a day.

How to take?

Main principle the use of folic acid preparations - regularity. It is important to remember that this vitamin cannot be stored in the body. It is constantly spent on providing for his needs.

The high need for it causes the fact that folic acid should be consumed regularly. In order not to forget that you need to take a daily dose, you should use a special calendar. In it, you can cross out the dates of taking the drug or make notes in any convenient way.

Before using the drug, the doctor must calculate the required dosage, which is required by a particular patient. If a woman in a previous birth had babies with chromosomal pathologies, then in such a situation, the dose of folic acid during this pregnancy can be doubled.

It is important to remember that folic acid absorption is affected by various medicinal substances. So, it is undesirable to use it with certain types of antibiotics, cytostatic agents, anticonvulsants and painkillers, as well as some hormonal drugs. They can lead to a decrease in the absorption of folic acid in the female body.

The intake of such drugs must be discussed with the attending physician.

Overdose

The peculiarity of the metabolism of folic acid in the body contributes to the fact that the risk of oversaturation is minimal. A high concentration of a substance in the blood leads to the fact that it begins to be actively excreted along with the urine. This situation reduces the risk of overdose to almost zero.

Experts considered that in order for the body to have a glut of folic acid, it must be drunk. over 40 tablets. A woman who is sane will never do this. This is largely a confirmation of the fact that it is almost impossible to contribute to an overdose of this substance in a normal situation.

However, if a woman has any diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract, and she consumes a lot of folic acid, this can lead to a short-term excess of the level of this substance in the blood.

In this situation, she will have various adverse symptoms. An overdose may be accompanied by the appearance of soreness in the abdomen, a feeling of "overflow", increasing anxiety. The woman may experience nausea. In some situations, even vomiting is possible. In this case, immediate medical attention is required.

special diet

There is a myth that folic acid is synthesized in sufficient quantities by the intestinal microflora. This is not entirely true. Indeed, a small amount of folic acid is formed in it. However, this concentration is not enough to meet all the needs of the body.

If a woman's diet is irrational and does not include a sufficient amount of folate, then this will inevitably lead to the development of a folate deficiency state in her. It can adversely affect the future development of the baby. In order to avoid this, women planning to conceive a baby need to carefully monitor their diet.

It is important to note that folic acid is found not only in medicines. It is also present in some foods. Their regular use contributes to the normalization of the condition female body.

The selection of the diet is carried out by the attending physician.

It is very important for a woman planning to become a mother to remember that when eating foods rich in folic acid, It is very important to observe the dosage of folic preparations. In order to eliminate even the minimal risk of overdose, you should definitely visit a doctor before using folic acid tablets. The doctor will select the optimal dosage that is required in each specific situation.

Quite a lot of folic acid is found in nuts. For the prevention of folate deficiency, almonds and walnuts are perfect. When using them, it is very important to remember the norm. Nuts are very nutritious and high in calories. You should not consume them in large quantities, as they can provoke weight gain.

Folic acid compounds can also be found in various organ meats as well as animal products. Women who want to maintain optimal weight should not choose too fatty meats. Lenten is best beef or veal, various game and chicken, and liver. Such products also contain a whole complex of various vitamins and vital amino acids necessary for the full functioning of the body.

Folic acid is also found in different varieties fish. In marine inhabitants of this substance, there is somewhat more than in river ones. Fish is an excellent source of various vitamins that the female body needs at the stage of planning a baby. The undoubted advantage of such foods is easy digestibility and relatively low calorie content.

Women who are vegetarians can also get folic acid from plant foods.

This substance is also found in various cereals. Folic acid is present in buckwheat, oatmeal, and also in rice. Regular consumption of various cereals will not only be a great addition to the daily menu, but will also help normalize the metabolism and vitamins.

As a side dish, you can use not only cereals. Folic acid can also be found in leafy greens. Regular consumption of fresh parsley, dill and cilantro will help improve health and give the body the necessary vitamin boost. You can use leafy greens as a component for a salad, as well as on their own.

Folic acid compounds can also be found in various fruits. In order for the body to receive a diverse complex of vitamins and trace elements, you should use different fruits. Women who are allergic to specific fruits you should be very attentive to your diet and exclude allergens from the menu.

Folic acid is present in moderate amounts and in various fermented milk products and eggs. These products also contain the necessary proteins necessary for the full-fledged work of the female body. They should be consumed at least 1-2 servings per day.

Doctors advise to include in your menu fresh vegetable salads and use leafy greens. In this form, folic acid is best absorbed by the body. Heat cooking leads to partial destruction of this important vitamin. Great way to cook fish or meat products will use a steamer.

Content

Those who want to give birth and raise a healthy child, have gorgeous hair and nails, shine with beauty, cannot do without this amazing vitamin. Indispensable from birth to old age, it can enter the body with products, in the form of finished drugs. You need to understand how folic acid works, what is its benefit.

Benefits of folic acid

This water-soluble vitamin belongs to group B, comes from food, a small amount is produced by the body - often this is enough for normal functioning. Sometimes you have to take the substance to the required level in a synthetic form. Why is folic acid useful, why is so much attention paid to its quantity and presence?

Vitamin B9 - another name for this substance - helps to solve many problems. Its use helps:

prepare for conception;
give birth to a healthy child;
improve memory;
slow down aging;
grow the child's body;
alleviate the symptoms of menopause;
relieve irritability;
prevent the formation of blood clots;
get rid of anemia;
normalize the psyche.

It is equally bad for a person to have a deficiency of this substance or an excess. When a vitamin is deficient:

fatigue comes quickly;
hair loss begins;
nails break;
anemia occurs;
increased thrombus formation;
in women, symptoms worsen during menopause;
in men, sperm motility is impaired;
a child is born with pathologies.

In case of an overdose of this substance, unpleasant symptoms and serious consequences may appear:

bitterness, taste of metal in the mouth;
nausea;
flatulence;
vomit;
diarrhea;
increased excitability;
deficiency of zinc, vitamin B12;
growth of cancer cells;
violations of the kidneys;
mental disorder in the elderly;
development of breast adenocarcinoma;
occurrence of prostate cancer.

This vitamin is indispensable in solving issues of female beauty. Affordable price helps to use the drug in cosmetology, in addition to ingestion, for the preparation of masks and therapeutic solutions. The tool is used for:

fight against age spots;
counteracting hair loss;
maintaining skin freshness;
prevent the appearance of wrinkles;
strengthening nails.

The action of folic acid

Although this drug is available, has a low price, it is indispensable for the body, it greatly affects its work. This vitamin has the following properties:

takes part in active cell division - helps skin renewal, growth and development of the fetus;
promotes the processes of hematopoiesis;
protects the walls of blood vessels, preventing the formation of blood clots.

Equally important is the participation of vitamin B9 for the processes:

DNA formation - the transfer of hereditary traits;
carbohydrate, fat metabolism;
increase immunity;
synthesis of amino acids;
the production of enzymes that counteract the formation of tumors;
muscle recovery in athletes;
production of hydrochloric acid;
absorption of iron;
exchange of adrenaline, serotonin.

Folic acid - instruction

The drug is produced in the form of ampoules for injections, tablets, is part of the complexes of multivitamins and dietary supplements. The vitamin is well absorbed, has compatibility with many drugs. How much should this substance be taken? Instructions for use of folic acid recommends a daily dosage for an adult of 400 mcg. It increases during pregnancy, the complex course of diseases.

Vitamin B9 should be taken as prescribed by a doctor - available side effects, contraindications for use. Perhaps the appearance of a rash, itching, redness of the skin, bronchospasm. It is not recommended to use the drug in the presence of:

iron metabolism disorders;
substance intolerance;
poor absorption of vitamin B12;
malignant neoplasms.

Indications for use are:

anemia;
infertility;
rheumatoid arthritis;
gastroenteritis;
atherosclerosis;
mammary cancer;
schizophrenia;
migraine;
osteoporosis;
weakening of the intellect;
menopause;
preparation for conception;
pregnancy;
lactation period;
depression.

During pregnancy

The period of expectation of a child is a huge change in the body. Why do pregnant women need folic acid, why is it necessary to take it? This is due to the formation in the first months of the systems and organs of the fetus. Vitamin B9 for pregnant women helps:

tissue growth due to cell division;
transmission of hereditary traits;
development of nervous tissue;
the formation of placental vessels;
creation of the hematopoietic system.

How much vitamin does a pregnant woman need? The woman's body functions for two, and the dosage increases proportionally. It is very convenient that the drug has affordable price- it is difficult to get the necessary portion of the substance from the products. The daily dosage for a pregnant woman should be 800 mcg. At this time, the drug is prescribed in the form:

tablets;
vitamin complexes;
dietary supplements.

If there is a deficiency of vitamin B9 in the body, the woman and the child may have problems:

violation of hematopoiesis;
neural tube defects;
tendency to thrombosis;
decreased immunity;
mental retardation;
miscarriage;
the birth of a stillborn child;
congenital deformities;
fetal oxygen starvation.

When planning a pregnancy

In order to exclude malformations, a woman needs to plan a pregnancy - start taking the drug three months before conception. This will help to accumulate the required amount for a period of increased stress on the female body. The dosage of folic acid when planning a pregnancy is 400 mcg per day, which will help to avoid complications.

For men

Vitamin intake is important for male body already in adolescence for proper puberty. With its deficiency, problems with the nervous system and memory are possible. Folic acid is also important for men because it is responsible for the properties - the number, motility of spermatozoa. With a deficiency of the substance, infertility, the development of atherosclerosis are likely.

children

How much and from what age to give this vitamin to children, the pediatrician decides. The price of the drug is affordable, and the importance for the development of the body is enormous. To obtain the required dosage, a folic acid tablet for children is diluted with water, the required amount is drawn up with a syringe. The substance helps:

body growth;
creating immunity;
organ formation.

For hair

Cosmetologists use the drug to solve hair problems. Vitamins are available, inexpensive, used in the form of masks, for internal use. The use of vitamin B9 for hair solves problems:

fallout;
strength and brilliance;
early gray hair;
dryness;
brittleness;
accelerating growth;
density;
hair follicles;
split ends;
structure improvements.

With anemia

If a deficiency of this vitamin appears in the body, the formation of red blood cells, erythrocytes, is disrupted. They become smaller, and the size increases, anemia appears. It is characterized by a decrease in hemoglobin, a violation of the supply of oxygen to the blood. Folic acid for anemia helps to solve the problem, passes:

fatigue;
headache;
pallor.

Price

It is possible to order a vitamin from catalogs, then buy it in an online store. The price of folic acid in a pharmacy will be less - there are no delivery costs. The cost of a vitamin depends on the form of release, manufacturer, quantity, additional components in the composition. Breakdown of prices in rubles:

tablets - 1 mg, No. 50 - 28-45;
Doppelherz active with vitamins - No. 30 - 350-610;
Solgar (BAA) - 100 pieces - 760-1200.

What foods contain folic acid

The richest sources of this vitamin are spinach, liver, black beans. Its high content in such products:

beef;
chicken giblets;
Brewer's yeast;
salmon;
buckwheat;
legumes - peas, beans;
citrus fruits - oranges, tangerines;
greens - salads, parsley, dill;
cabbage;
peaches;
apricots;
avocado;
rose hip.

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Content

Gynecologists assure that taking folic acid when planning a pregnancy is extremely important for both spouses, because it improves the quality of germ cells and helps the fetus develop properly. It is important to take it even before conception and after it, so knowing how to drink it is useful for every woman.

Can Folic Acid Help You Get Pregnant?

Doctors say that folic acid before pregnancy, taken in the form of special medications or through products containing it, does not help get pregnant, because its purpose is different. It helps to improve the quality of the egg and sperm, stimulating the synthesis of the necessary nucleic amino acids. B9 promotes better assimilation of others useful substances, increases hematopoietic function, affects the formation of the fetus. In an "interesting position" it must be used so that the baby does not have:

defects and anomalies of the brain;
epilepsy;
allergies.

Do men need folic acid when planning a pregnancy?

According to experts, folic acid before pregnancy is needed not only by a woman. It is recommended for family planning and for men, because its benefits lie in the normal formation of spermatozoa, the quality of which is responsible for the onset of conception and the health of the unborn fetus. If a woman needs to use folacin during preparation and during gestation, then men can stop using it as soon as the couple learns about it. positive test. The doctor prescribes medicine.

What foods contain folacin

If you are concerned about the question of how to take folic acid when planning a pregnancy, it is not necessary to turn to medications. The following foods will help fill its deficiency:

leafy greens: dill, sorrel, cilantro, spinach;
legume vegetables;
citrus;
buckwheat and oats;
Walnut, almond;
liver, offal.

For better absorption, it is recommended to consume plant-based vitamin products rich in folacin without cooking. Sources of animal origin allow minimal exposure to temperature. Conditions are observed to reduce the loss of folacin, which is destroyed by heat to a level of 90%. It is recommended to eat foods rich in substance every day, and you can eat sea fish, cheese, chicken eggs, which contain slightly less active substance than those listed, but are necessary in the diet.

How to take folic acid when planning a pregnancy

At the stage of preparation for gestation, only the doctor determines how to drink folic acid correctly. The appointment will depend on chronic diseases, bad habits, analysis results. The standard dosage is to use drugs in the form of tablets a quarter before conception. A man is shown a dose of 40 milligrams a day, and a woman - twice as much. Excess or overdose of the substance is not terrible, because the water-soluble vitamin is excreted from the body without side effects.

If one of the parents or other relatives had brain pathologies, then the dosage for a woman during gestation will be 2 g per day, and if the first baby of the couple suffers from similar defects, then 4 g. It is better to use this substance after eating, because the active ingredients may adversely affect the gastric mucosa. The doctor will prescribe the time of use and the number of capsules taken. expectant mother by weeks.

Vitamins with folic acid when planning pregnancy

You must be wondering how to take folic acid when planning a pregnancy. For convenience, it is better to consider the following data on popular medicines:

Tablets with the same name. Have the most affordable price, very popular. The quality is appreciated by many gynecologists: doctors prescribe the drug to mothers in the amount of 1 tablet (1 mg) per day.
Folacin, Apo-folic. Prescribed for a serious lack of folacin in a pregnant woman, because each dose contains 5 mg of the active substance. This drug is prescribed only by a specialist and is considered curative, while others are preventive.
Folio. In addition to 0.4 g of vitamin B9 contains 0.2 g of iodine. For the female body, it is recommended to use 2 tablets, and for men - 1 daily.
Multivitamin complexes Materna, Elevit Prenatal, Vitrum Prenatal, Pregnavit, Multitabs Perinatal. All of them, in addition to B9, which is needed at the stage of preparation for conception, contain other useful ingredients.

Over the past decades, the average age of future fathers and mothers who decide to have offspring for the first time has increased markedly.

"Mature" parents realize what it is an important event, like the conception of a baby, should not be left to chance. Therefore, couples often begin with a visit to the doctor.

At the first appointment, along with a referral to the doctor, he will issue a list of medications that are recommended to be taken. Among them, “folic acid” will certainly be noted as a separate item.

The human body needs only 50 micrograms of folic acid daily to maintain vital activity, this is a necessary, but vital minimum.

A derivative of folic acid - tetrahydrofolate - is involved in the most important biochemical transformations at the cellular level.

Its sufficient content in the body is required for:

full flow of metabolic processes;
synthesis of blood and;
reducing the risk of developing atherosclerosis, processes that cause cardiac arrest and spasm of cerebral vessels;
uninterrupted operation of the digestive system, the release of its enzymes;
protection against poisoning, intoxication;
maintaining immunity.

The negative effects of vitamin B9 deficiency in the body can be felt almost immediately: loss of energy, depressed mood, increased irritability, lack of appetite - these are all symptoms of folate deficiency.

Fortunately, nature has taken care that this vital important element was in the maximum availability for humans: all types of leafy plants contain folacin (from the Latin folium - “leaf”).

Almost all plant foods contain folic acid in varying amounts. And there is a lot of it in animal products.

A certain amount of this trace element is synthesized by the normal intestinal microbiota and is located in the liver on the most “rainy day”.

Therefore, with a full-fledged varied diet, the human body is able to provide itself with the necessary trace element.

However, it happens that the need for folic acid increases sharply and for a long time: during illness, injury, taking antibiotics, increased stress and physical exertion, in childhood and adolescence, during pregnancy, during lactation, etc. etc. And then an additional source of this microelement is required.

The lack of vitamin B9 in a woman's body at the time of pregnancy, which a young mother may not be aware of, leads to irreparable malformations of the fetus, miscarriage, stillbirth or the birth of an unviable child.

Satisfying the body's need for folic acid allows the parent to support own health and keep the beauty.

The Need for Folic Acid for Future Dads

We should not forget, however, that two partners are involved in the process of conceiving a child, and therefore, father's high-quality "material" is an important condition for creating healthy offspring.

Taking folic acid before pregnancy is important in this case as a factor that increases the number of motile viable spermatozoa with the correct set of chromosomes.

Evidence-based medicine claims that additional intake of vitamin B9 by a partner increases the likelihood of conception and the chances of bearing a fetus, and also reduces the risk of developing fetal pathologies associated with chromosomal abnormalities.

In addition, the absence of hypovitaminosis in terms of folates has a positive effect on general condition male health. And it young dad a small child will be very useful.

The optimal daily requirement for folic acid for future parents until the moment of conception of a child is determined individually, depending on whether there is an initial hypovitaminosis.

Initially, the doctor will prescribe the parents a standard dose of folacin, and, if necessary, based on the data biochemical analysis blood, correct it.

Even if both parents lead a healthy lifestyle and eat a balanced diet, you still need to take pharmaceutical forms of folic acid when planning a pregnancy.

Since the intake of folacin with food is sufficient only for the current vital activity of the body, at best. The fact is that it is problematic to preserve vitamin B9 during cooking and storage. And the freshest vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs directly from the garden are not available to everyone and not always.

Unless otherwise required by the health status and lifestyle of the expectant mother, folic acid intake for women at the stage of pregnancy planning is required to prevent folate beriberi, 400 mcg daily.

After pregnancy, the daily requirement for the vitamin will increase.

In the pharmacy, you can find preparations with different concentrations of folic acid per tablet - from 400 mcg to 5 mg.

It is preferable if vitamin B9 enters the body of a woman, which are created taking into account the needs of the mother's body during pregnancy and in a combination of macro- and microelements that is favorable for mutual assimilation.

If the doctor has fixed a deficiency of folic acid in the patient's body or for other reasons that increase the woman's daily need for vitamin B9 (epilepsy, diabetes, smoking, addiction to alcohol, work in hazardous industries, etc.), she is prescribed a therapeutic dose of the drug up to 5 mg per day.

The treatment course usually lasts about a month. Also, in a therapeutic dosage, folic acid is prescribed to women for whom there is a high probability of pregnancy with the development of defects in the neural tube of the embryo: for a hereditary reason or with a pregnancy already experienced with a similar outcome.

For a man

If the spermogram of a man is in perfect order? then he is prescribed folic acid for prevention - 400 mcg daily.

If the analysis of the seminal fluid of the future father showed the presence of defective spermatozoa above the permissible norm (more than 4%), then among other measures, the doctor will prescribe an increased intake of vitamin B9 - from 700 mcg to 1000 mcg per day, rarely up to 5 mg per day (depending on from the degree of hypovitaminosis according to a blood test).

Again, taking folic acid medications for a man when a couple is planning a pregnancy is necessary if attempts to conceive a child have been unsuccessful for at least six months.

If the future parents are not diagnosed with infertility, then the dad will receive general recommendations from the doctor on improving health, as well as specific recommendations on taking folic acid.

Course duration

WHO recommendations suggest that a woman, if she is healthy, take a daily prophylactic dose of folic acid throughout the planning stage of pregnancy and, for another 12 weeks after the onset of conception.

It is advisable to start for both partners at least three months, and preferably six months before the transition to "active actions" to conceive a child.

If, during the initial examination, vitamin deficiency was recorded in one of the partners, then conception should be postponed, and folic acid intake should be continued until the level of folacin in the blood is compensated.

The frightening consequences of an overdose of folic acid, which are reported by some sources, should not be guarded against. This happens extremely rarely and with a gigantic long-term excess of the dose prescribed by the doctor. Much more dangerous is the deficiency of folic acid in the body, especially at the stage of pregnancy planning.

Unfortunately, for the vast majority of people, such a substance as folic acid is associated with pregnancy. It is remembered mainly by women and only when they have already entered this crucial period of their lives.

This approach absolutely eliminates the huge potential of folic acid in shaping the health of the unborn child. Although it would be worth paying special attention to the feasibility and method of its application, which will help to significantly improve the quality of the health of future generations.

What is folic acid?

More in 1926 it became known that eating dishes from the liver contributes to the treatment of megaloblastic anemia in pregnant women. A in 1941 managed to identify the substance that caused this effect.

Due to the fact that this substance was discovered and isolated from spinach leaves, it received the name folic acid(from the Latin word folium - leaf).

This name has become the most used, despite the fact that folic acid is also vitamin B9, pteroylglutamic acid, folamine and a number of other equally complex terms.

Folic acid belongs to the B group of vitamins. It takes part in amino acid metabolism responsible for protein synthesis in the body without it, the formation of DNA and RNA is disrupted, mucous membrane of the digestive system, bone marrow function is inhibited(the hematopoietic system of the body).

These are just the fastest processes in the body, which also include the development of the embryo. The spectrum of functions of folic acid is extremely diverse and constantly expanding.

Hypovitaminosis is most dangerous and common among young children and women in anticipation of a baby.

There are many factors that cause insufficient intake, malabsorption or increased intake of folic acid. They are relevant not only for these groups of people. These include:

taking some medicines(anticonvulsants, contraceptives, methotrexate, sulfonamides);
irrational nutrition, in which there are few foods containing folic acid;
diseases of the digestive system (in particular, the small intestine), infectious and oncological diseases;
regular abuse of alcohol, strong tea;
increased need for folic acid during pregnancy and lactation.

Vitamin B9 deficiency dangerous for a number of pathological conditions.

Pregnant women have an increased risk of morning sickness, depression, miscarriage, placental abruption, stillbirth, serious birth defects development of the fetus, often incompatible with life (impaired development of the central nervous system of the fetus, namely the brain and spinal cord) or provoking mental retardation and disability of the child.

Older children and adults develop macrocytic anemia, neuritis, memory impairment, underweight, impaired physiological processes in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, skin. In addition, the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis and related diseases (angina pectoris, heart attack, stroke, heart failure), and thromboembolism increases.

It is quite difficult to achieve an excess amount of folic acid in the body. Even repeated excess of the daily dose passes without any consequences.

As with any other vitamin, allergic reactions are possible.

With prolonged use of high doses of the drug, a decrease in the level of cyanocobalamin is possible, followed by the development of anemia, indigestion, increased excitability of the nervous system, which in the worst case manifests itself in the form of a convulsive syndrome.

Instructions for use

Indications for use

Folic acid supplementation is indicated for presumed and apparent deficiency of the vitamin, which is possible in case of malnutrition, alcohol addiction, removal of the stomach and various diseases of the digestive system (including the liver), long-term hemodialysis.

Folic acid is especially indicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the use of drugs (some anticonvulsants, painkillers, sulfanilamide, as well as contraceptives, methotrexate, erythropoietin).

Folic acid deficiency is manifested by anemia (both folate-dependent and other origin), glossitis.

Contraindications for use

There are much fewer contraindications, and these include hypersensitivity to the vitamin and anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency, since it masks its neurological manifestations.

Side effects are also few: erythema, rashes and itching of the skin, general weakness, fever, bronchospasm.

Dosage and duration of taking the drug during pregnancy

Pregnant women who have not previously experienced pregnancy complications associated with folic acid deficiency are recommended 400 micrograms of vitamin per day.

In the case of a burdened history in terms of folate-dependent fetal malformations, the dose is increased up to 800 - 4000 mcg per day (0.8 - 4 mg). The same doses are prescribed when taking folic acid antagonist drugs.

Take during breastfeeding 300 micrograms of vitamin per day.

Since the central nervous system the fetus is formed in the period up to 16 - 28 days after conception, then folic acid should be taken even at the planning stage of conception (at least 3 months before it) and continue to be taken throughout pregnancy and lactation. This reduces the risk of developing neural tube defects by 70%.

Features of the use of the drug and analogues of folic acid

Multivitamin preparations contain a sufficient amount (0.8 mg) of vitamin B9, so there is no need for parallel use of a monopreparation.

500 - 600 micrograms of vitamin enters the body with food, but 50 - 90% is destroyed by the cooking process. Especially a lot of folic acid in fruits and vegetables of rich green color, liver, eggs, legumes, nuts, cereals, dairy products.

Folic acid is also synthesized by the intestinal microflora. After entering the body, it is quickly transported to all tissues, and it can also accumulate in the liver and cerebrospinal fluid. The normal content of the vitamin in blood plasma is 6 - 25 ng / l, in erythrocytes - more than 100 ng / l.

Folic acid is able to interact with many medications, which requires mandatory consultation with a doctor and individual prescription of doses, frequency of administration and duration of treatment.

The underestimation of folic acid is obvious. But with an increase in the priority of a healthy lifestyle in the system of human values, it will occupy its rightful niche and will be able to fully demonstrate its wonderful abilities.

About folic acid. Program "Live healthy!"