B 9 Vitamins. Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid, Vitamin M)

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

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

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

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

Chemical formula: C 19 H 19 N 7 O 6

Foods rich in vitamin B9

The approximate presence in 100 g of the product is indicated:

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

Daily requirement for vitamin B9

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

1 microgram of food folate equals 1 microgram of PFE
1 microgram of folic acid taken with food or from foods fortified with it equals 1.7 micrograms of PFE
1 microgram of folic acid (a synthetic dietary supplement) taken on an empty stomach equals 2 micrograms of PFE.

For example: from a meal containing 60 micrograms of natural folate, the body receives 60 micrograms of a Dietary Equivalent. From a serving of pasta fortified with 60 micrograms of synthetic folic acid, we get 60 * 1.7 = 102 micrograms of a Food Equivalent. And one 400 mcg folic acid tablet will give us 800 mcg of a Dietary Equivalent.

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

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

Increasing the body's need for vitamin B9

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

people with alcohol addiction: Alcohol disrupts the metabolism of folate in the body and accelerates its breakdown. In addition, people suffering from alcoholism are often malnourished and do not get enough vitamin B9 from food.
women of childbearing age: Fertile women should take enough folic acid to avoid the development of a neural tube defect in the embryo in the early stages of pregnancy.
pregnant women: in pregnancy time, vitamin B9 plays an important role in nucleic acid synthesis.
people with poor digestibility: diseases such as dengue fever, celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis can interfere with the absorption of folate.

Chemical and physical properties

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

Structure and forms

Dietary folate exists predominantly in the polyglutamyl form (containing a few glutamate residues), while folic acid, the synthetic vitamin form, is a monoglutamate containing only one glutamate moiety. In addition, natural folates are molecules with a reduced molecular weight, while folic acid is completely oxidized. These chemical differences have significant implications for the bioavailability of the vitamin, with folate being significantly more bioavailable than naturally occurring dietary folate at equivalent intake levels.

The folic acid molecule consists of 3 units: glutamic acid, p-aminobenzoic acid and pterin. The molecular formula is C 19 H 19 N 7 O 6 . The various B9 vitamins differ from each other in the number of glutamic acid groups present. For example, folic acid contains one Lactobacillus casei fermentation factor three and Bc conjugate-7 glutamic acid groups. Conjugates (i.e. compounds having more than one glutamic acid group in the molecule) are not effective in some species because these species do not have the enzyme substance necessary to release the free vitamin.

Useful properties and effects on the body

The benefits of vitamin B9 for the body:

affects the course of a healthy pregnancy and the proper development of the fetus: folic acid prevents the development of defects in the nervous system of the fetus, underweight, premature birth, and this occurs in the very early stages of pregnancy.
antidepressant: folic acid is believed to help manage depression and improve emotional well-being.
helps in protein metabolism.
acne remedy: Vitamin B9 is considered a powerful antioxidant that helps detoxify the body and improve skin condition.
maintaining heart health: folic acid intake reduces blood levels of homocysteine, an increased amount of which can lead to a risk of heart disease. vascular diseases. In addition, the vitamin B complex, which includes folic acid, reduces the risk of stroke.
risk reduction cancer: There is evidence that insufficient folic acid intake is associated with the development of breast cancer in women.

Folic acid metabolism in the body

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

In order for folate and its coenzymes to cross cell membranes, special transporters are required. They include the reduced folate transporter (RFC), the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT), and the folate receptor proteins, FRα and FRβ. Folate homeostasis is maintained by the ubiquity of folate transporters, although their number and importance varies in different body tissues. PCFT plays an important role in folate transplantation because mutations affecting the gene encoding PCFT cause hereditary folate malabsorption. Defective PCFT also leads to impaired folate transport to the brain. FRα and RFC are also critical for folate transport across the barrier between the circulatory system and the central nervous system. Folate is essential for the proper development of the embryo and fetus. It is known that the placenta is responsible for the entry of folate into the fetus, resulting in higher folate concentrations in the baby than in the mother. All three receptor types are associated with transport of folate across the placenta during pregnancy.

Interaction with other trace elements

Cardiovascular diseases

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

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

Cancer diseases

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

Eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day is currently associated with a reduced incidence of cancer. Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of folic acid, which may play a role in their anti-carcinogenic effect.

Alzheimer's disease and dementia

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

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

Depression

Low folate levels are associated with depression and poor response to antidepressants. In a recent study of 2,988 people aged 1 to 39 in the United States, serum and red blood cell folic acid concentrations were significantly lower in those with severe depression than in those who had never been depressed. A study of 52 men and women diagnosed with a depressive disorder showed that only 1 out of 14 patients with low level folate responded to antidepressant treatment compared with 17 of 38 patients with normal folate levels.

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

Dosage forms of vitamin B9

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

To lower the level of homocysteine in the blood, 200 mcg to 15 mg of folic acid per day is usually prescribed. In the treatment of depression, take 200 to 500 mcg of the vitamin per day, in addition to the main treatment. Any dosage must be prescribed by the attending physician.

Folic acid in folk medicine

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

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

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

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

Latest Scientific Research on Vitamin B9

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

Use in cosmetology

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

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

Use in animal husbandry

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

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

Contraindications and warnings

About 50-95% of folic acid is destroyed during cooking and preservation. Exposure to sunlight and air is also detrimental to folate. Foods high in folic acid should be stored in a dark vacuum container at room temperature.

Signs of a folic acid deficiency

Deficiency of folic acid alone is rare, usually associated with other nutrient deficiencies due to malnutrition, alcoholism, or absorption disorders. Symptoms typically include weakness, trouble concentrating, irritability, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. In addition, there may be pain and ulcers on the tongue; problems with skin, hair, nails; problems in the gastrointestinal tract; elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood.

Signs of excess vitamin B9

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

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

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

Discovery history

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

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

Since 1978, folic acid has been used in combination with the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil. First synthesized in 1957 by Dr. Charles Heidelberger, 5-FU has become an effective drug against certain types of cancer, but has had severe side effects. Two students of the doctor discovered that folic acid can significantly reduce them, while at the same time increasing the effectiveness of the drug itself.

In the 1960s, scientists began to investigate the role of folic acid in preventing neural tube defects in the embryo. It was found that vitamin B9 deficiency can have very serious consequences for the child, and also that usually a woman does not get enough of the substance from food. Therefore, in many countries it was decided to enrich foods with folic acid. In America, for example, folate is added to many grain products - bread, flour, cornstarch, pasta and noodles - as they are staple foods for most of the population. Due to this, the number of cases of neural tube defects has been reduced by 15-50% in the USA.

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

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

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

Folic acid. Vitamins & Supplements. WebMd,

Lavrenov Vladimir Kallistratovich. Modern encyclopedia of plants. OLMA Media Group. 2007

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

Lavrenova G.V., Onipko V.D. Encyclopedia traditional medicine. Publishing House "Neva", St. Petersburg, 2003.

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

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

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

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Vitamin B 9 belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins. It is necessary for the body for the normal functioning of the nervous, circulatory, immune systems. Partially synthesized in the human body, but with increased demand, additional intake of the substance from the outside is required.

general characteristics

Vitamin B 9 is known by a number of other names:

folic acid;
vitamin B c;
vitamin M;
pteroylglutamic acid;
folinic acid.

On the English the vitamin is called Folic Acid. Latin name- Folic acid.

Acid derivatives are combined into one group called "folates".

Folic acid belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins of group B. It takes part in the synthesis of DNA, improves the functioning of the immune and circulatory systems. Vitamin B 9 helps prevent the development of megaloblastic anemia, and during pregnancy reduces the risk of developing neural tube defects in the fetus.

Partially produced by the intestinal microflora. It also additionally enters the body with the use of green vegetables (parsley, spinach). It is excreted from the body with liquid, and therefore vitamin overdoses are extremely rare.

Discovery history

Lucy Wills

In the 1930s, scientist Lucy Wills discovered that taking yeast extract helped prevent the development of megaloblastic anemia in pregnant women. It was this study that helped in identifying the substance that was identified as the main active ingredient in the composition of yeast. Then vitamin B 9 was called the “Wills factor”.

In 1941, the substance was synthesized from spinach leaves, which is why it got its name “folic acid” from the Latin “folium” - leaf. In 1945, vitamin B 9 was first synthesized artificially by the scientist Yellapragada Subbarao.

Physiochemical properties

Folic acid is not dangerous if its intake corresponds to daily norms. Therefore, when enriching the diet, it is recommended to adjust the dosage of vitamin B 9 in supplements in order to avoid hypervitaminosis. If there is no possibility of changing the diet, the doctor recommends taking supplements.

Folic acid is obtained both synthetically and from natural products in which it is contained. The difference between these two types is that the second is better absorbed and less likely to cause side effects, but has a higher cost.

Hypovitaminosis

Vitamin B 9 deficiency occurs for various reasons:

the predominance of thermally processed food on the menu;
an unbalanced diet that contains insufficient amounts of nutrients;
intestinal pathologies that interfere with normal metabolism nutrients;
regular use of alcoholic beverages;
smoking abuse;
liver pathology;
taking oral contraceptives;
situations when the body needs an increased amount of folate (pregnancy, lactation).

Hypovitaminosis does not appear immediately, its symptoms appear gradually, with a decrease in the level of folic acid in the body.

Signs of deficiency

The main signs of deficiency include:

termination of pregnancy in the early stages;
decrease in working capacity;
drowsiness;
loss of appetite.

If a person notices that even after resting he feels tired, that he does not feel hungry for several days, this is an occasion to visit a doctor and discuss with him a possible deficiency of folic acid in the body.

Consequences of deficiency

Folic acid takes an active part in the biochemistry of cell division processes. Especially strongly its deficiency affects pregnant women:

early termination of pregnancy;
placental abruption;
congenital pathologies of the development of the neural tube in the fetus;
pathology of the brain in the unborn child;
pathology of the circulatory system;
high risk of preeclampsia;
increased risk of anemia in pregnancy.

With hypovitaminosis, the risk of megaloblastic anemia increases. Also, folic acid deficiency leads to an increase in the level of homocysteine in the body, which increases the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis.

Hypervitaminosis

An overdose of folic acid in the body is extremely rare. In most cases, the vitamin is easily excreted in the liquid, and therefore does not accumulate in the tissues. Hypervitaminosis is possible with the systematic use of doses of vitamin B 9, significantly exceeding the daily norm.

Signs of an oversupply

An overdose of vitamin B 9 is accompanied by the appearance of such symptoms in adults:

hives;
skin itching;
increased anxiety;
irritability;
sleep problems;
insomnia;
changes in the work of the digestive tract;
the appearance of a metallic taste in the mouth.

A child with an overdose of vitamin B 9 may become more irritable, there may be a decrease in appetite, a change in the usual regimen.

When signs of hypervitaminosis appear, a number of recommendations should be followed:

Stop taking supplements.
Increase the amount of pure water consumed to eliminate excess folate more quickly.
Take an enterosorbent (Sorbex, Enterosgel), which will help bind B9 molecules in the intestine.

In case of severe overdose, if the excretion mechanisms with the kidneys are not effective enough, the excess B9 is excreted using hemodialysis.

When taking vitamins with folic acid, you need to pay attention to the appearance of previously uncharacteristic symptoms. If they occur, it is recommended to immediately stop taking and consult your doctor. The doctor will help you choose another drug or adjust the daily dosage.

Consequences of hypervitaminosis

The constant use of an excess amount of folic acid is no less harmful to the body than its deficiency. With regular use of high doses, the risk of developing malignant neoplasms increases, since folates are actively involved in the biochemistry of cell division.

During pregnancy, excess vitamin B 9 may not be excreted immediately, and therefore folic acid increases the risk of developing bronchial asthma The child has. Also, hypervitaminosis harms the immunity of the unborn child, increasing the likelihood of contracting respiratory infections.

Regular consumption of excess doses of vitamin B 9 is the cause of cyanocobalamin deficiency, which prevents the development of megaloblastic anemia. In this case, the action of excess folic acid lubricates clinical picture. Because of this, the appointment of incorrect treatment or the omission of signs of the onset of the disease is possible.

Application features

Folic acid is used to prevent and treat hypovitaminosis, treat anemia, improve the functioning of the nervous system, and is prescribed for pregnant and planning couples. Vitamin is used to prevent congenital developmental pathologies in the fetus, to reduce the intensity of manifestations of postpartum depression. Take the drug with meals, once a day. It is preferable to use the vitamin in the morning.

In the CIS countries, the drug is produced in the form of tablets:

folic acid 0.1 mg;
folic acid 0.4 mg;
folic acid 1 mg.

Abroad, there are chewing gums containing folic acid. Such forms of release are used for the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease, gingivitis and other inflammatory diseases oral cavity.

Where could I buy

Vitamin B 9 supplements are produced in the form of pharmacological synthetic agents and dietary supplements made from natural raw materials. The price of dietary supplements is usually higher, because their manufacturing technology and the raw materials used are different. But dietary supplements have a higher bioavailability compared to synthetic counterparts, and therefore their use is more efficient.

You can buy supplements in pharmacies or order dietary supplements with vitamin B 9 through the iherb.com online store. Below is the TOP 6 most popular vitamin B supplements 9:

Readers of our magazine have the opportunity to save extra -10% off the amount of the first order using promo code AGK4375 or .

The role of folic acid in the human body is difficult to overestimate. Its regular use helps to avoid beriberi, reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, conceive and bear a healthy child. You can take folates for prevention on your own, but constant use should be agreed with your doctor so as not to harm the body.

Vitamin B9 - known to many under the name folic acid, is of great importance for the human body. In the intestines, the element can be produced independently, but in very small quantities, because the body must necessarily receive it from the outside along with food. True, the trouble is that most people consume foods with vitamin B9 not enough. For this reason, folic acid deficiency is quite common.

Benefits of folic acid

So what is vitamin B9 for? It regulates many processes in the body.

Thanks to the element, the growth and preservation of DNA integrity is carried out. If cell growth or DNA is disrupted, it can lead to cancer. Therefore, the substance partly prevents the occurrence of a dangerous disease.
Strengthens immunity.
Normalizes the work of the heart and blood vessels.
Participates in the formation of amino acids necessary for the body.
Calms the nervous system and improves its functioning, thereby improving mood and increasing efficiency.
It plays an important role in the formation of blood cells. With a lack of an element, anemia can occur.
It is important to receive the element in large quantities when planning pregnancy, since vitamin b9 reduces the occurrence of pathologies in the child, improves the mother's condition during pregnancy and after childbirth. Also, the element prevents the occurrence of miscarriages and premature labor.

Overdose and deficiency of folic acid

It is easy to determine if the body has enough of an element by simply passing a blood test. Normally, the blood should contain 7 - 45 nmol / l of vitamin.

This dose seems incredibly small, but any change up or down will instantly affect the general well-being of a person and his health.

Vitamin deficiency most often occurs due to poor and poor nutrition. Also, acid deficiency often occurs due to dysbacteriosis and other digestive problems, in which the element cannot be synthesized and extracted normally from the foods eaten. The absorption of the element worsens when taking anticonvulsants, contraceptives, barbiturates, alcohol.

If the body does not have enough folic acid, multiple health problems may occur.

Anemia (anemia), accompanied by a decrease in the number of red blood cells and their dysfunction. The onset of the disease is evidenced by hair loss, an ongoing state of fatigue, the formation of ulcers on the oral mucosa, and disruption of the digestive tract.
Serious problems during pregnancy and after childbirth. Possible premature birth, early detachment of the placenta, miscarriages at the beginning of pregnancy.
Infertility in both men and women.
Children's pathologies that developed during fetal development: mental retardation, hydrocephalus, cleft lip, underdeveloped organs and systems, etc.
Persistently bad mood with a transition to a serious clinical depression.
Sleep disturbances, eternal feeling of fatigue, irritability, anxiety, aggression, poor memory.

A person will feel a lack of 9 very quickly. In a week (and in the longest case - in a month), reduced concentrations of the vitamin in the blood will manifest themselves as fatigue, poor appetite, and irritability. The symptoms are such that few people pay attention to them and take them seriously, which is quite dangerous. For these reasons, the lack of vitamin B9 is quite widespread and in some areas it is noted in 100% of the inhabitants. On average, vitamin deficiency occurs in 20% of the total population. If the disease is not treated, after a few months the lack of the element will lead to anemia, and the symptoms of the disease will become more severe.

Folic acid overdose

It is not so easy to achieve an overdose of the element, since vitamin B9 is highly soluble in water. All the excess amount of the substance is excreted through the kidneys, so the body will not receive harm from an overdose. Deterioration of the condition can be only with serious pathologies of the liver and kidneys. In this case, the excess of the element is fraught with the following consequences:

too much weight gain of the fetus during its gestation;
increased risk of weight gain and diabetes in children;
the appearance of asthma, a tendency to allergies in children during their gestation;
an increased risk of developing prostate cancer in men;
change in behavior (sharp excitability, sleep disturbance, irritability);
change in taste sensations (bitterness, metallic taste in the oral cavity).

Daily intake of vitamin B9

Maintaining normal vitamin levels is only possible with daily consumption of foods that contain it.

Children up to six months need 65 mcg of the element per day.
From six months to a year, the dose increases to 80 mcg.
From 1 year to 3 years, a child needs 150 micrograms of a substance per day.
From the age of three and throughout adolescence, a child needs at least 200 micrograms of acid per day.
On average, adults need 400 mcg of an element; during pregnancy and lactation, the dose increases to 600 mcg daily.

In some situations, people require higher doses of the element:

after surgical interventions and injuries;
with active physical education and sports;
in old age;
during pregnancy and lactation.

Vitamin B9: what foods contain it?

Even good nutrition cannot provide the human body with the necessary amount of folic acid - another 20-30% of the element has to be "acquired" with the help of medicines, multivitamins, dietary supplements.

What foods contain the most vitamin B9?

In the by-products of poultry (namely, domestic, and not grown in poultry farms): turkeys, geese, ducks, chickens. In them, the content of the element reaches 800 mcg per 100 grams of product.
Liver (beef or lamb). The content of the substance reaches 400 mcg per 100 g of product. This is an excellent product that also contains iron in record doses, so frequent use of the liver is considered an excellent prevention of anemia and iron deficiency.
Legumes in boiled form (up to 400 mcg of vitamin B9). Due to the large amount of proteins, ballast elements, folic acid, this product must be included in the vegetarian menu as a substitute for meat.
Pork liver (up to 250 mcg of the element per 100 g of the product). It contains a little less substance, but it is softer and more tender.
Spinach (up to 140 micrograms of the element).
Asparagus (130 micrograms of acid in a boiled product).
Whole grain wheat products.
Flax oil.
Broccoli.

There is also quite a lot of element:

in the leaves: black currant, raspberry, dandelion, wild rose, plantain, mint, nettle;
in vegetables: beets, cucumbers, carrots;
fruits: bananas, apricots, oranges;
cereals: buckwheat, rye;
meat: beef, pork, lamb, poultry meat;
fish: tuna, salmon;
dairy products: cheese, cottage cheese, steamed fresh milk.
nuts: hazelnuts, pistachios, walnuts(you need to use them fresh, without frying);
some seeds (sesame, flax, sunflower, pumpkin);
mushrooms and berries.

It is important to take into account the fact that most (up to 90%) of folic acid is lost during heat treatment in products. So, for example, from 10 to 30% of the element from the original amount remains in vegetables, only 5% remains in meat products and about 50% in eggs.

The element is easily decomposed in sunlight and long-term storage. Therefore, it is better to consume the products immediately, preferably without heat treatments, if possible.

It is also worth remembering that products grown in conventional gardens contain much more nutrients than those grown in greenhouse conditions. But not everyone can afford to buy products from natural farms.

But it’s not enough just to eat foods with vitamin B9. It is also important for the state of the digestive tract in general and in particular for the work of the intestines. If its work is disturbed or antibiotics are taken, many of the beneficial bacteria that inhabit its walls die, and food cannot be digested normally. Therefore, it is important to treat emerging diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in time, and when taking antibiotics, it is imperative to take drugs containing lacto- and bifidobacteria.

You need to know how to take folic acid so that it is absorbed and benefits the body.

The element cannot "work" in the body without vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) and ascorbic acid. If vitamin B9 is contained in the body in large quantities, this will lead to a decrease in the concentration of cyanocobalamin. For this reason, it is important to always monitor the amount of elements entering the body and their ratio to each other.
An overdose of an element is possible only if it is additionally taken in the form of tablets, since the products cannot provide a person with even a daily dose of the element in full.
Any excess of the vitamin will not be deposited in it, but will be instantly excreted along with the urine, therefore it will not work to eat the nutrient "in reserve" - it is important to receive new doses of folic acid daily.
The element does not cause a toxic effect, and even in high doses it will not harm the body.
It is important to monitor the amount of the incoming element during pregnancy, lactation, in childhood and adolescence.

Folic acid supports human life and health. This element is necessary for everyone and every day. It is important to know where it is contained, how it should be taken and how to cook products with its content, because a person’s well-being, mood, performance and immunity depend on this.

Folic acid preparations

Folic acid in a pharmacy can be found in the composition of monovitamins, dietary supplements, injections and poly vitamin complexes.

These funds are used for folic acid deficiency anemia and vitamin Bc deficiency, folic acid deficiency and for its prevention.

The drugs are well absorbed into digestive system and combine with blood plasma. Easily passes through the placenta, into breast milk within one hour. The output of the element is carried out by the kidneys.

The most common folic acid preparations.

Folic acid is vitamin B9 tablets. There are many brands that produce the drug. The price is quite reasonable in most cases. It is recommended for pregnant and lactating mothers, as well as for anemia and for the prevention of iron deficiency conditions.
"Calcium folinate". The drug is used to prevent methotrexate poisoning (treatment of neoplasms), as well as to treat megaloblastic anemia, folic acid deficiency.
Leucovorin-Teva. The drug is taken to treat malignant neoplasms of the colon, folate deficiency anemia, while taking antibiotics, other antiprotozoal drugs and methotrexate intoxication.
"Calcium folinate - Ebewe". Contains calcium folinate. Available in ampoules for injection and capsules for oral administration. The action of the remedy is aimed at eliminating the deficiency of folic acid.
"Record B12 Sigma-Tau". It is a general tonic containing proteins, amino acids and vitamins. Coenzyme B12 improves the growth of blood cells and stimulates their development, improves the functioning of the nervous system, liver, and normalizes clotting. Amino acids saturate a person with energy, neutralize and remove harmful substances from the body, folic acid prevents the development of anemia.
"Askofol". The drug contains folic acid and vitamin C. The action of the drug is a general strengthening of the body, replenishment of the lack of vitamin C, folic acid, prevention and treatment of anemia. Indicated for use in pregnancy, anemia, vitamin B9 deficiency, atherosclerosis.
"Ferro-Folgamma". The drug contains iron, folic acid, vitamin B12. The action of the drug is the treatment and prevention of anemia of various etiologies.

As a prevention of vitamin deficiency, most people prefer to take multivitamin complexes, which include, among other nutrients, folic acid:

"Alphabet";
"Vitrum";
"DoppelGertz";
"CompliVit";
"Femibion" (drug for pregnant and lactating mothers);
"Elevit" (drug for pregnant and lactating mothers);
"Mculti-Tabs";
"Centrum" and others.

Folic acid or vitamin B9 must be included in the diet without fail. It is included in the TOP 3 most important substances along with iron and vitamin B12. The popular names “female vitamin” or “leaf vitamin” are not accidental. It is necessary for the female body, and its need is especially high during pregnancy. The leader in the content of vitamin B9 is spinach - one of the representatives of leafy vegetables.

Folic acid is orange crystals. The composition includes a number of glutamate derivatives. All of its compounds are known as folacin. Of the physical properties of folic acid or B9, it should be noted:

ability to absorb water;
poor solubility in alcohol;
the ability to quickly dissolve in alkalis;
decomposition during thermal exposure and prolonged exposure to light.

Folic acid was isolated from spinach leaves and yeast in 1941, and later, in 1947, it was obtained artificially. In the cells of the body exists in different forms, this is possible as a result of its biochemical changes.

So, folic acid: what is it for? Its benefits for the body make up a fairly large list:

It normalizes the processes of digestion, participating in the "production" of the most important compounds: proteins, fats and carbohydrates. In violation of the digestive process, vitamin B9 can provide significant assistance.
Maintains state immune system"in combat readiness."
It is necessary during pregnancy for the development of the fetus and the prevention of miscarriage.
Normalizes activity of cardio-vascular system, minimizing the possibility of developing strokes, heart attacks. Participates in the prevention of atherosclerosis. We owe the normal development of the circulatory system to folic acid.
It has a positive effect on brain activity and is involved in the synthesis of serotonin (the hormone of joy), helping to avoid depressive and neurotic states.
Reduces the risk of tumors, preventing breast cancer.
It affects the functions of the liver, helping to remove toxic compounds from the bloodstream.
It is quickly consumed in puberty, where it is necessary for normal puberty without jumps and mood swings.

The body receives folic acid from food, and if it is deficient, as a dietary supplement or medicine, if the products are monotonous or poor in composition. It is important that the daily rate this component constantly replenished.

Benefits of folic acid

Vitamin B9 is necessary for our body, like air. Partly it is produced by the intestinal microflora, but most of it comes from food. It controls a number of important biochemical reactions:

cell growth occurs with its participation;
preserves the structure of DNA, where hereditary material is stored;
reduces the risk of developing tumors.

Without her knowledge, the coordinated work of the immune system, heart, blood vessels is impossible, the synthesis of amino acids, from which the main substances of our body - proteins, are built, is difficult. This substance has a positive effect on mental activity, while maintaining an optimistic attitude and the ability to be active. The formation of red blood cells does not take place without its participation, which is necessary in the processes of hematopoiesis. Sometimes with its deficiency, anemia develops.

What are the benefits of folic acid for the fair sex? This is a beauty vitamin, it is used to improve the condition of the skin and hair, taking externally and internally. Despite the abundance of modern cosmetics, the hair and skin of many women is not in the best condition. And it depends on the lack of vitamins, so folic acid plays an important role in cosmetology.

With a lack of this vitamin, the epidermis and curls are dehydrated. The consequences are well known: peeling of the skin and brittle hair. Folic acid for facial skin is used both externally (masks, creams, tonics) and internally in the form of tablets. In addition, she helps

in the restoration (regeneration) of cells;
in the treatment of dry skin and smoothing wrinkles;
"Stands on guard" of early gray hair and baldness.

For the female body, it is indispensable during pregnancy and its planning. If vitamin complexes are prescribed even before conception, then the risk of fetal pathologies is reduced by 80%. Folic acid for bearing a child is needed in greater% ratios than its usual norm.

It is important to control the intake of this compound in the first trimester of pregnancy, when the neural tube is laid in the child, which eventually becomes the basis of the spinal cord and brain. During this period, other fetal systems begin to form. After the birth of the baby, vitamin intake should not be interrupted, since it can only be supplied to the baby through mother's milk.

For a long time, it was believed that it was impossible for pregnant women to get folic acid in excess amounts. However, recent studies confirm that long-term use in significant doses leads to the birth of children with weak immunity, prone to colds and bronchial asthma.

What foods contain vitamin B9

Folic acid is found in a wide variety of foods. It remains only to choose a specific list for the daily menu so that they contain the necessary substance.

Name	specific product	Content (mcg per 100 g of product)
Greens	spinach	80
	parsley	117
	salad	40
	green onion	11
Vegetables	beans	160
	cabbage	10-31
	lentils	180
Whole grain products	buckwheat	50
	wheat	37
	rye	35
nuts	peanut	240
	Walnut	77
	hazelnut	68
	almond	40
Corn	-	24
Grain bread	-	30
Liver	pork	225
	chicken	240
	beef	240
cereals	rice	19
	oatmeal	29
	barley	24

Vitamin B9 is absorbed in full if the products contain vitamin C and representatives of group B, which goes well in watermelons and tomatoes. There is a lot of it in fruits, for example, in avocados there is 22% of the daily dose.

There is a necessary component in goose eggs; in representatives of other birds, its% is insignificant. Also, vitamin B9 is found in any seeds that are saturated with a number of useful compounds. But the foods richest in folic acid are green vegetables and organ meats.

How well and quickly a vitamin is absorbed is related to the composition of the food and the rules for its preparation. With poor liver function, absorption is extremely slow or part of the vitamin is not absorbed at all. Useful parallel intake of fermented milk products, which contribute to its good absorption into the blood.

Folic acid preparations

If the diagnosis reveals a lack of folic acid, then it becomes obvious that food does not solve the problem and it is recommended to take dosage forms. Folic acid preparations are available in the form of:

Dietary supplements that are taken with a slight deficiency of the desired substance. They are often included in yeast tablets as they pair well with them. Options for dietary supplements are quite diverse: lozenges, effervescent tablets, powders from which protein shakes are made.
Tablets, when the body needs only a specific vitamin in its pure form. Usually, the drug in tablets is prescribed for severe folic acid deficiency and their intake is controlled by a doctor.
Vitamin complexes, which include the right substance, are necessary to replenish the total supply of vitamins. They are most often prescribed during pregnancy to expectant mothers or as a prophylactic for hypovitaminosis.

Important! It is undesirable to use drugs with folic acid alone as a medicine. The form of release and dosage is prescribed by the doctor, who determines the deficiency for a particular vitamin.

pregnant women or persons dreaming of having offspring;
people with liver problems;
hosting a number medicines(for example, necessary in the treatment of diabetes);
people who are addicted to alcohol;
on dialysis;
eating lean, refined foods.

If a person belongs to the “risk group” for this compound, then first you need to be examined by a doctor, and not to conduct experiments on your own body.

Daily requirement for vitamin B9

Since the desired component is only partially synthesized in the body, there is a certain norm for how much of this compound should be supplied with food per day. Vitamin is needed for different age categories and scientists have calculated the daily intake of folic acid. Vitamin intake in the following doses (mcg / day) is optimal:

"babies" up to 6 months - 65;
up to a year - 80;
the first years of life - 150;
from 3 years to 18 - 200;
adults - 400;
pregnant women - 600;
lactating mothers - 500.

The body needs folic acid after injuries or operations, with severe physical activity It is also important for the elderly.

We should not forget that most of the vitamin we need is destroyed during heat treatment. When stewing vegetables, up to 70-90% of the substance breaks down, when cooking meat - 95%, in the process of boiling eggs - up to 50%. Greens and fruits that are grown in greenhouses are inferior in percentage to those grown "under the open sky".

Deficiency and excess of folic acid

Vitamin B9 deficiency is most often associated with the consumption of refined foods. Against the background of general hypovitaminosis, dysbacteriosis develops and malfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract begin, while the vitamin is no longer absorbed. Its absorption into the blood is reduced to zero when prescribing anticonvulsants, oral contraceptives, taking barbiturates, alcohol.

The results of a lack of folic acid are large-scale and negatively affect the whole body:

A type of anemia develops, in which the number of red blood cells in the blood decreases and they only partially fulfill their functions. At the same time, malfunctions occur in the digestive system, hair loss is observed, ulcers develop in the mouth, and fatigue does not pass.
Difficulties in the formation of the fetus during pregnancy: early birth, placental abruption, miscarriage in the first trimester. If the child was born, then he may have various pathologies (for example, mental retardation). Infertility is possible, and this problem also applies to men.
The development of the classic formula of depression, which is accompanied by poor memory, insomnia, nervousness, anxiety and aggression.

Already after 5-30 days, with insufficient intake of folic acid in the blood, its deficiency is observed. It is expressed in a feeling of fatigue and irritability, lack of appetite. Such symptoms are possible with various ailments, so it can be difficult to correlate them with a lack of a particular vitamin.

There are regions where the vitamin deficiency in the population is 100%. In general, every 5 people experience its shortage. If the situation does not change and the desired component does not enter the blood, then after 3-4 months anemia develops.

It is quite difficult to create hypervitaminosis: for this you need to eat an unrealistic amount of greens. But an excess is possible with long-term use of a medicine with folic acid in the composition.
Increasing the dose of the vitamin causes:

a significant increase in fetal weight during pregnancy;
possible development of obesity and diabetes The child has;
digestive problems;
changes in kidney function;
increased excitability.

In this situation, there may be a change in behavior and complaints of a metallic taste in the mouth.

Side effects

The development of side effects occurs only with a lack or excess of folic acid, when the dosage of the drug is chosen incorrectly or, conversely, it is not absorbed enough, entering the blood in small quantities.

Deficiency causes anemia, and excess leads to a drop in the level of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12). in turn leads to neurological complications.

An allergy to folic acid may be due to individual intolerance to the components in its composition. Serious manifestations of allergies are possible: Quincke's edema, skin rash, anaphylactic shock. When the first signs appear, it is important to take an antihistamine.

Like any other vitamin, folic acid is vital for the proper functioning of our body. But there is no need to panic, trying to detect signs of its deficiency. It is enough to eat right, introducing green vegetables and other foods rich in this important compound into your diet.

Name, abbreviations, other names: folic acid, pteroylglutamic acid, vitamin B9 (b9), b9, vitamin M, folacin, folate, female vitamin.

Chemical formula: C 19 H 19 N 7 O 6

Group: water soluble vitamins

Name in Latin: Vitaminum B9, Acidum folicum, Folic Acid

Varieties: No, but there are derivatives of folic acid - folates.

What (whom) is it useful for:

For the circulatory system: participates in hematopoiesis (in the formation of healthy red blood cells - erythrocytes).
For DNA: folic acid is involved in the duplication of the DNA molecule, as well as in the correct copying of genetic material, thereby reducing the risk of cancer and genetic diseases.
For the liver: supports its normal functioning and protects against obesity.
For the body: provides the process of cell division, thereby ensuring the constant renewal of tissues.
For women before and during pregnancy: ensures the maturation of a full-fledged egg; prevents the likelihood of premature birth, the development of premature babies, miscarriages, premature rupture of the amniotic membrane, placental abruption.
For men: ensures the maturation of healthy, defect-free spermatozoa and facilitates the process of conception.
For the fetus: greatly reduces the likelihood of the fetus developing severe malformations of the National Assembly (B9 deficiency should not be allowed).
For children: ensures the normal physical development of the body.

Recommendation: All women who are just planning a child or are already pregnant should take folic acid at 400 mcg per day. After conception and up to the 12th week of pregnancy, taking B9 is strictly required.

For what (whom) is harmful:

For people with the following diseases and conditions: B12 deficiency anemia, chronic B12 deficiency (cyanocobalomin), malabsorption of glucose and galactose, malignant neoplasms, hemochromatosis.

Indications for use:

hypovitaminosis B9, beriberi, vitiligo, psoriasis, acne, atherosclerosis, hepatitis, cirrhosis, radiation exposure, depression, pregnancy.

Deficiency (deficiency) long-term:

Anemia, macrocytic and megaloblastic anemia, the formation of defective spermatozoa in men and defective eggs in women, neurosis, neuritis.

For the embryo: malformations of many systems (especially nervous).

Deficiency symptoms:

Fatigue, depression, sleep disturbances, irritability, memory impairment, pallor, inflammation of the gums, neuralgia, apathy, disorders in the digestive tract, rash, early gray hair, peeling and dry skin, wounds that do not heal for a long time.

In children: retardation in physical and mental development, enteritis, diaper rash, disorders in the digestive tract, skin problems.

Contraindications:

Allergy, anemia on the background of B12 deficiency, B12 deficiency, malabsorption of glucose and galactose, malignant neoplasms, hemochromatosis.

Side effects:

Vitamin B12 deficiency, bronchospasm, rash.

The daily rate required by the body:

For men - ~ 0.4 - 0.6 mg. vitamin B9 per day
For women - ~ 0.4 - 0.5 mg / day.
For children (from 0 to 1 year) - ~ 0.06 mg / day.
For children (from 1 to 8 years old) - ~ 0.15 - 0.25 mg / day.
For adolescents (from 9 to 13 years old) - ~ 0.25 - 0.5 mg / day.
For pregnant women - ~ 0.6 mg / day.
For lactating - ~ 0.6 mg / day.

The norm of vitamin in the blood:

1.7 - 17.2 ng / ml.

Overdose:

Possible (but rare).

Overdose symptoms:

Disturbances in the work of the gastrointestinal tract (flatulence, bloating), deterioration in the condition of the mucous membranes, nervousness, irritability, mood instability.

In children: depression.

In pregnant women: the risk of developing asthma in the child.

Main sources:

Green leaves of vegetables, yeast, legumes, fresh herbs, buckwheat, bran, bananas, kidneys and liver, tuna.

How long can you take:

If taken in large doses, then no more than a month, in the standard dosage (400 mcg) as much as you like.

Release form:

Tablets, capsules.

Best before date:

About folic acid

B9 does not tolerate exposure to ultraviolet radiation and temperature - it is destroyed from this. It dissolves well in alkali, but in water and alcohol it is very bad, but at the same time it is able to absorb water well.

1 mg of folic acid is 1000 micrograms. - This is the standard form of release of tablets.

Vitamin B9 can be both natural and synthetic. The peculiarity of synthetic is that it is absorbed by the body by almost 100% and it is much easier to calculate the required dose.

With an increase in the consumption of B9 in the body, the level of B12 (cyanocobalamin) necessarily falls, respectively, it must be additionally replenished. Vitamin C also goes well with folic acid. B9 enhances the effectiveness of C.

Vitamin B9 is not compatible with epilepsy drugs (their effectiveness is reduced), tuberculosis drugs and some infectious diseases, corticosteroids, estrogen-containing drugs (they suppress folic acid), aspirin, alcohol, and alcohol-based drugs.

Folic acid is sometimes referred to as vitamin M or vitamin B c. These names were invented primarily by manufacturers of vitamin complexes in order to expand the composition of their preparations and create a feeling of “rich” content.

Why do women need folic acid?

It is not for nothing that this vitamin is called female, since it plays a big role in a woman’s life, namely:

Gives to teenage girls normal flow puberty;
Helps to reduce unpleasant symptoms during menopause;
May delay the onset of menopause;
Good for dealing with postpartum depression.

Folacin

Many vitamins are often combined under one name several substances similar to each other, and with vitamin B9. It is a set of compounds that chemists call folacins (or folacin), and in everyday life they are simply called folic acid (or vitamin B9).

How to take (for medicinal purposes)

They take drugs inside.

You can take it as you like: before meals, after, during.

New Research

Today, studies are underway on the effect of vitamins B9 and B12 on the state of memory in people aged 70 and older, especially those who are already over 90. As it turns out, these two vitamins are quite effective in several ways in maintaining thought processes, including memory.