What is folic acid prescribed for

Folic Acid: MedlinePlus Drug Information

pronounced as (foe' lik)

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Folic acid is used to treat or prevent folic acid deficiency. It is a B-complex vitamin needed by the body to manufacture red blood cells. A deficiency of this vitamin causes certain types of anemia (low red blood cell count).

Folic acid comes in tablets. It usually is taken once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take folic acid exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If you are taking folic acid to treat a deficiency, you probably will feel better quickly, often within 24 hours. However, do not stop taking this drug until your doctor tells you to do so.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking folic acid,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to folic acid or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially phenytoin (Dilantin) and vitamins.

Your doctor may tell you to eat more liver, foods prepared from dried yeast, fruit, and fresh leafy green vegetables to increase the folic acid in your diet.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Folic acid may cause side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

skin rash
itching
redness
difficulty breathing

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www. upandaway.org

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

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Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Folate and folic acid are forms of vitamin B9 used for deficiency and to prevent pregnancy complications. Many foods contain folate or have folic acid added.

Since 1998, folic acid has been added to cold cereals, flour, breads, pasta, bakery items, cookies, and crackers, as required by federal law. Foods that are naturally high in folate include leafy vegetables, okra, asparagus, certain fruits, beans, yeast, mushrooms, animal liver and kidney, orange juice, and tomato juice. Folic acid is also available as a supplement, and is often used in combination with other B vitamins.

Folic acid is used for preventing and treating low blood levels of folate (folate deficiency) and high blood levels of homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia). People who are pregnant or might become pregnant take folic acid to prevent serious birth defects such as spina bifida. Folic acid is also used for many other conditions including depression, stroke, decline in memory and thinking skills, and many others.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Effective for

Folate deficiency. Taking folic acid improves folate deficiency.

Likely Effective for

High levels of homocysteine in the blood (hyperhomocysteinemia). This condition has been linked to heart disease and stroke. Taking folic acid by mouth lowers homocysteine levels in people with normal or high homocysteine levels and in people with kidney failure.
Toxicity caused by the drug methotrexate. Taking folic acid by mouth seems to reduce nausea and vomiting from methotrexate treatment.
Birth defects of the brain and spine (neural tube birth defects). Consuming folic acid 600-800 mcg by mouth daily during pregnancy reduces the risk of these birth defects. Folic acid can come from the diet or supplements. Some people who are at high risk should get 4000-5000 mcg daily.

Possibly Effective for

Decline in memory and thinking skills in older people. Taking folic acid by mouth, with or without other supplements, may improve memory and thinking skills in older people who have a larger decline in thinking skills than expected at that age. But it doesn't seem to work in older people who are experiencing the usual decline in thinking skills for their age.
Depression. Taking folic acid by mouth along with antidepressants seems to improve symptoms in some people with depression.
High blood pressure. Taking folic acid by mouth daily for at least 6 weeks reduces blood pressure in some people with high blood pressure who are not taking other blood pressure medications.
Gum enlargement caused by the drug phenytoin. Applying folic acid to the gums seems to prevent this issue. But taking folic acid by mouth doesn't seem to help.
Stroke. In areas of the world that don't add folic acid to grain products, taking folic acid supplements can reduce the risk of stroke. But supplements don't seem to be helpful for people who live in countries that do add folic acid to grain products.
A skin disorder that causes white patches to develop on the skin (vitiligo). Taking folic acid by mouth seems to improve symptoms of this condition.

Possibly Ineffective for

Low levels of healthy red blood cells (anemia) due to iron deficiency. Adding folic acid to an iron supplement does not help to treat anemia any better than taking an iron supplement alone.
Decline in memory and thinking skills that occurs normally with age. Taking folic acid by mouth doesn’t seem to prevent a decline in mental function that occurs normally in healthy aging adults.
Cataracts. Taking folic acid by mouth with vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 does not prevent cataracts. In fact, it might increase the number of cataracts that need to be removed.
Diarrhea. Taking folic acid by mouth doesn't seem to prevent diarrhea in children who are at risk of malnutrition. In fact, it may even increase the risk of having diarrhea that lasts more than a few days.
Fall prevention. Taking folic acid by mouth with vitamin B12 does not seem to prevent falls in older people who are also taking vitamin D.
Male infertility. Taking folic acid by mouth, alone or with other ingredients, does not seem to improve male fertility.
Death of an unborn or premature baby. Taking folic acid by mouth during pregnancy does not seem to reduce the risk of a baby dying just before or after birth. But it does help prevent other health issues in the baby.
Cancer of the white blood cells (leukemia). Taking folate by mouth during pregnancy does not reduce the risk of this type of cancer in children.
Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). In elderly individuals with osteoporosis, taking folic acid by mouth with vitamin B12 and/or vitamin B6 does not seem to prevent broken bones.
Physical performance in elderly adults. Taking folic acid by mouth with vitamin B12 doesn't seem to help older people walk better or have stronger hands.
High blood pressure during pregnancy. High-dose folic acid supplements do not seem to reduce blood pressure during pregnancy, or the risk of developing a condition called pre-eclampsia.
Infection of the airways. Taking folic acid by mouth doesn't seem to prevent infections in the lungs in children at risk of malnutrition.

Likely InEffective for

Non-cancerous growths in the large intestine and rectum (colorectal adenoma). Taking folic acid supplements does not prevent growths in the large intestine or rectum.
An inherited condition marked by learning disabilities (fragile-X syndrome). Taking folic acid by mouth does not improve symptoms of fragile X syndrome.
Preterm birth. Taking folic acid by mouth during pregnancy does not decrease the risk of having a premature baby. But it does help to prevent other health issues in the baby.

There is interest in using folic acid for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: It is likely safe for most people to take folic acid in doses of no more than 1 mg daily. Doses higher than 1 mg daily may be unsafe. These doses might cause stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, irritability, confusion, behavior changes, skin reactions, seizures, and other side effects.

Another form of folic acid, L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF), can also be found in supplements. This type of folic acid is possibly safe for most people in doses up to about 400 mcg daily.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Another form of folic acid, L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF), can also be found in supplements. This type of folic acid is possibly safe for most people in doses up to about 400 mcg daily.

There is some concern that taking too much folic acid for a long time might cause serious side effects. Some research suggests that taking folic acid in doses of 0.8-1.2 mg daily might increase the risk for cancer or increase the risk of heart attack in people who have heart problems. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Folic acid 300-400 mcg daily is recommended during pregnancy to prevent certain birth defects. The maximum recommended amount of folic acid during pregnancy or breastfeeding is 800 mcg daily for those under 18 years of age and 1000 mcg daily for those over 18 years of age. Do not use more unless directed by a healthcare professional.

Another form of folic acid, L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF), can also be found in supplements. This type of folic acid is possibly safe to take at a dose of up to 400 mcg daily when pregnant or breastfeeding.

Children: It is likely safe for children to take folic acid by mouth in the recommended amounts for their age. But children should avoid taking folic acid in doses that are higher than the daily upper limits. These limits are 300 mcg for 1-3 years of age, 400 mcg for 4-8 years of age, 600 mcg for 9-13 years of age, and 800 mcg for 14-18 years of age.

Another form of folic acid, L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF), can also be found in supplements. This type of folic acid is possibly safe in children.

Procedures to widen narrowed arteries (angioplasty): Using folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 might worsen narrowed arteries. Folic acid should not be used by people recovering from this procedure.

Cancer: Early research suggests that taking 0.8-1 mg of folic acid daily might increase the risk of cancer. Until more is known, people with a history of cancer should avoid high doses of folic acid.

Seizure disorder: Taking folic acid supplements, especially in high doses, might make seizures worse in people with seizure disorders.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Fosphenytoin is used for seizures. The body breaks down fosphenytoin to get rid of it. Folic acid can increase how quickly the body breaks down fosphenytoin. Taking folic acid along with fosphenytoin might decrease the effects of fosphenytoin for preventing seizures.
Phenobarbital is used for seizures. Taking folic acid can decrease how well phenobarbital works for preventing seizures.
The body breaks down phenytoin to get rid of it. Folic acid might increase how quickly the body breaks down phenytoin. Taking folic acid and taking phenytoin might decrease the effectiveness of phenytoin and increase the possibility of seizures.
Primidone is used for seizures. Folic acid might cause seizures in some people. Taking folic acid along with primidone might decrease how well primidone works for preventing seizures.
Pyrimethamine is used to treat parasite infections. Folic acid might decrease the effects of pyrimethamine for treating parasite infections.
There is some concern that taking large amounts of folic acid with 5-fluorouracil might increase some side effects of 5-fluorouracil, especially stomach problems. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking folic acid.
There is some concern that taking large amounts of folic acid might increase the side effects of capecitabine, especially stomach problems like diarrhea and vomiting. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking folic acid.

Dosing

Folic acid is an important nutrient. The amount that should be consumed on a daily basis is called the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). The RDA for folic acid is provided as Dietary Folate Equivalents, or DFE. This is because the body absorbs the folic acid in supplements better than the folate found in food. 1 mcg DFE is the same as 1 mcg of folate found in food. But 1 mcg DFE is the same as 0.6 mcg of folic acid supplements.

The RDA in adults is 400 mcg DFE daily. In pregnancy, the RDA is 600 mcg DFE daily. When breastfeeding, the RDA is 500 mcg DFE daily. In children, the RDA depends on age. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

Folic acid: benefits, harms, advice from a nutritionist

In the middle of the 20th century, American biochemists struggled with the secret of a substance that helps pregnant women with megaloblastic anemia. In 1941, they managed to obtain folic acid from spinach leaves, and by 1945 they were able to synthesize it chemically.

What is
What is
Dosage
Benefits
Restrictions and side effects
Expert commentary

The material was commented by Maria Volchenkova, nutritionist at Best Doctor, clinical psychologist, member of the Russian Union of Nutritionists, Nutritionists and Food Industry Specialists, an expert in working with DNA tests.

Advertising on RBC www.adv.rbc.ru

What is folic acid

Folic acid is a scientifically developed water-soluble analogue of vitamin B9essential for the proper development of the circulatory and immune systems. In 1931, the existence of an unknown substance that helps pregnant women overcome megaloblastic anemia was reported by doctor and researcher Lucy Wills. She noticed that her patients recovered after taking the yeast extract.

Only ten years later, scientists were able to establish that this substance was folate, and remove it from spinach leaves. And for the first time it took 4 tons of plants. The drug was called folic acid - from the Latin word folium (leaf). K 19In 1945, they learned how to synthesize it chemically [1].

Folic acid and all its derivatives are classified as folates. However, there are some differences between the artificial vitamin and B9 found in foods in how they are absorbed and act on the body.

Folate is found in beans, broccoli, leafy vegetables, eggs, beef liver, etc. Remember: the more processed the products are, the less useful substances remain in them. Folic acid supplements are not necessary if a person leads a healthy lifestyle and eats a balanced diet. nine0003

Why folic acid is needed

We store most of our folate in the liver, and the rest in the blood and tissues. This substance is critical for a wide range of functions in the body [2], [3], [4], [5]:

production and maintenance of new cell health;
DNA replication process;
cell division;
metabolism of nucleic and amino acids;
maturation of erythrocytes.

Folate deficiency is associated with an increased risk of megaloblastic anemia, heart disease. Vitamin B9 deficiencyin pregnant women can lead to various developmental disorders of the child [6].

Nearly half of vitamin B9 is lost during cooking

Folic acid dosage

Synthetic folic acid is almost completely absorbed by the body, while folate, which a person receives from food, is absorbed by about 50%.

Recommended intake for folate:

Birth to 6 months: 65 mcg/day
Up to 1 year: 80 mcg/day
1-3 years: 150 mcg/day
4-8 years: 200 mcg/day
9-13: 300 mcg/day
From 14 years old: 400 mcg/day
Pregnant (with an uncomplicated obstetric history): 400–600 mcg/day
Nursing mothers: 500 mcg/day.

Although folic acid overdose is extremely rare, excess folic acid can lead to a number of negative health effects. The daily intake of folate should not exceed 1000 mcg/day [7]. nine0003

The Benefits of Folic Acid

Since its discovery, folic acid has been considered primarily a "women's vitamin". It plays an important role in the maturation of eggs, the normalization of the menstrual cycle, and the development of the fetus. However, further medical research has shown that this substance has many beneficial properties for all.

May prevent pregnancy complications

Sufficient folate in the expectant mother's body is essential for egg quality, implantation and fetal maturation [8]. Often, folic acid supplements are prescribed to pregnant women to prevent birth defects in the development of the child, as well as complications associated with pregnancy, in particular preeclampsia [9]. In addition, high levels of vitamin B9 in the body are associated with a lower risk of preterm birth [10], [11].

Helps control blood sugar levels

Folic acid can reduce the chance of blood sugar spikes and increase the sensitivity of body cells to insulin. A folate-rich diet may reduce the risk of diabetic complications, including neuropathy [12], [13], [14].

Helps prevent cancer

In the late 1980s, evidence emerged that a diet based on green leafy foods rich in folate, fiber, calcium, magnesium and other nutrients could prevent colon cancer. In those years, the concept of “folic anti-cancer diet” became popular [15]. nine0003

A diet rich in foods rich in vitamins B9, B6 and B12 reduces the risk of breast cancer. Also, with the help of folate, it is possible to slow down the process of tumor growth if it has already appeared [16].

Preventive daily folic acid intake for pregnant women is 400-800 mcg/day

Promotes brain health

Low blood folate levels are associated with impaired brain function and an increased risk of dementia. Older people even have low levels of B9within the normal range are associated with an increased risk of mental disorders [17], [18].

Folic acid supplements may improve brain function in people with psychiatric and cognitive impairments. The substance helps to slow the progression and help in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease [19], [20].

Combats mental disorders

Studies have shown that people with depression have low levels of folic acid in their blood [21]. Vitamin B9 supplementation in combination with antidepressants is more effective in managing depressive symptoms than antidepressant treatment alone [22]. In addition, folic acid supplementation in combination with antipsychotics has been shown to improve symptoms in patients with schizophrenia [23]. nine0003

Reduces the risk of heart disease

Folate plays an important role in the metabolism of homocysteine. An excess of this amino acid increases the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases [24].

Research has shown that folic acid supplementation can reduce the overall risk of heart disease by 4% and stroke by 10% [25].

Vitamin B9 supplementation has been associated with improved blood flow and reduced high blood pressure [26], [27]. Both factors have a positive effect on the health of the cardiovascular system. nine0003

Limitations and side effects

Intake of high doses of synthetic folic acid may mask B12 deficiency. The fact is that with a lack of both vitamins, megaloblastic anemia develops, and folate effectively copes with this condition. However, it does not correct the neurological problems that occur with B12 deficiency, and the deficiency of an important substance may go unnoticed until irreversible consequences appear [28].

Also, high doses of B9 can reduce the activity of protective immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells [29], [thirty]. It is not recommended to combine folic acid with certain prescription drugs, in particular drugs for epilepsy, ulcerative colitis, and some types of cancer and autoimmune diseases [31].

Gynecologist's advice

Elena Lyubimkina, obstetrician-gynecologist at GMS Clinic, ultrasound doctor, integrative medicine doctor

In pregnant women, folic acid and folate deficiency increases the risk of miscarriage, partial or complete placental abruption, spontaneous abortion. If mothers experienced a lack of folate during pregnancy, the risk of mental retardation in their children increases later. nine0003

Patients often have latent folate and folic acid deficiencies before pregnancy and in the first trimester. It is during this period that it is especially dangerous, since the formation of the neural tube in the fetus begins from the first days of conception and ends at the 28th week of pregnancy. At this stage, a woman may not yet know about the deficiency of her much-needed vitamin and the possible consequences.

That's why it's ideal to take folic acid 9 months before conception. This is how much an egg is formed in a woman's body. nine0003

Even if pregnancy is known at a later date, it is never a good idea to start taking folic acid. The expectant mother will have enough folate reserves for about 4 months, so do not panic. As soon as you find out you're pregnant, start taking folic acid.

During pregnancy, the consumption of this vitamin increases greatly. However, with adequate pharmacological support, the level of folate in the body remains at the proper level during all three trimesters and during breastfeeding. nine0003

With folate deficiency, weakness, headache, fainting, pale skin, red tongue, diarrhea are noted. If the balance is not replenished on time, a disease such as folate deficiency anemia may develop.

The main source of folate for humans is food. The degree of absorption and utilization of folates depends on the nature of the products, the method of their preparation and the state of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, accelerated technologies for growing leafy vegetables do not allow plants to accumulate vitamin B9 in the proper amount.. At the same time, in pregnant women, the need for folate almost doubles. It is impossible to hope that the expectant mother will be able to make up for this shortage only with food, without synthetic additives.

Laboratory diagnostics (clinical blood count with formula calculation, total serum folates, plasma homocysteine, segmented macrocytes) is very important for the prevention of the development of clinical manifestations of folate deficiency. Ideally, the genetics of folate cycle metabolism. Depending on the results of the studies, the doctor selects an individual dosage and form of the drug. nine0003

General advice for pregnant and lactating women: Take 400-800 micrograms/day of folic acid. This dose should not be exceeded without indications and a doctor's appointment. In case of an overdose, the risks of impaired carbohydrate metabolism in the fetus and neurotoxicity increase.

In women with congenital defects in the genes for folate metabolism and homocysteine metabolism, if they eat a lot of methionine-rich foods (meat, eggs, coffee, cottage cheese), homocysteine detoxification slows down, especially in the brain. They may develop a condition such as chronic hyperhomocysteinemia, which is dangerous primarily for the fetal brain. Women with mutations in the folate cycle genes are recommended to take vitamin B9in the form of methylfolate (5-methyltetrahydrofolate, metafolin) at a dose of 400-800 mcg / day.

Expert comment

Maria Volchenkova, nutritionist at Best Doctor, clinical psychologist, member of the Russian Union of Nutritionists, Nutritionists and Food Industry Specialists, expert in working with DNA tests

folic acid". These are different forms of vitamin B9 and their names are often mistakenly used as synonyms.

Folates are the natural form of vitamin B9 found most in leafy greens. In addition, folate is found in avocados, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and some other foods.

Vitamin B9 deficiency increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, pregnancy disorders and fetal developmental disorders. To prevent these risks, a person should receive vitamin B9 in an absorbable form.

The absorption of vitamin B9 depends on the so-called folate cycle genes. With mutations in these genes, there are difficulties with the absorption of folic acid, a synthetic form of vitamin B9.. The active (that is, well absorbed) form of vitamin B9 is called 5-methylenetetrahydrofolate. Interestingly, most dietary folates are converted into the active form, which is easier for the body to absorb.

Excess intake of the synthetic form of vitamin B9 can result in folic acid constantly circulating in the blood, which is not converted to the active form. This happens, for example, with the constant unreasonable intake of multivitamins with too high dosages of vitamin B9.. That is, the body is not able to use it for its own needs.

Since vitamin B9 is involved in the process of cell division, theoretically, an excess of unabsorbed folic acid increases the risk of cancer. If you do not have direct indications (pregnancy and its planning), then for the prevention of vitamin B9 deficiency, it is best to use food sources of folate. Feel free to add leafy greens to your daily salad serving. Avocados will provide you, in addition to folate, potassium, which is also important for the cardiovascular system. Broccoli provides the body with a powerful antioxidant - sulforaphane. Cause an excess of vitamin B9only due to food sources is very difficult. A person simply cannot eat such a quantity of food.

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Tags: vitamins

what it is for, benefits, how much to take

Folic acid is in great demand, especially among women, due to its useful and irreplaceable properties. No wonder its second name is the beauty vitamin. It not only helps to prevent premature aging, but also to organize the full work of all organs. The endocrine, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems will work normally if vitamin deficiency is prevented in a timely manner. In addition, acid perfectly copes with the task of blocking weight. nine0003

Folic acid for women

Thanks to the regular replenishment of folic acid, a woman can maintain and, most importantly, prolong her youth for a long time. This magical vitamin regenerates the appearance of new cells and ensures the preservation of old ones. As a result, the skin remains fresh and smooth for a long time, the hair becomes thick and shiny, and the nails are strong.

Regular replenishment of vitamin B9 improves women's mood. Especially this helps with PMS and menopause . It was during this period that the female state is characterized by increased nervousness and overexcitability.

For women over 40 it is especially important to regularly take the beauty vitamin, which helps to normalize the functioning of the stomach and intestines and speeds up metabolism. Thanks to B9, the absorption of nutrients improves. A very valuable function of folic acid is to prevent the occurrence of unwanted symptoms that occur as a result of hormonal changes during menopause. nine0003

Benefits of folic acid during pregnancy

Folic acid is #1 on the list of medicines that a doctor prescribes to a woman who is planning to have a baby or is already in position . It is essentially vitamin B9, which is easily soluble in water and actively affects a number of fundamental processes in the human body. Obstetricians around the world say that folic acid during early pregnancy and when planning a pregnancy is extremely important. It directly affects the condition of the pregnant woman and the development of the fetus. Its deficiency not only complicates the course of pregnancy, but also the process of conception. nine0003

Conscious expectant mothers must regularly replenish vitamin B9 deficiency. According to scientific studies, in 80% of cases, regular intake of the vitamin prevents the possibility of congenital malformations of the fetus.

It is especially important for pregnant women to take folic acid. To bear a healthy child, the body needs a large amount of vitamin, so all its reserves in the expectant mother are quickly exhausted. They need to be replenished regularly. In addition, folic acid is independently formed in the body in very small doses, which are not enough for a pregnant woman. nine0003

Regular intake of the vitamin is especially important for expectant mothers who are in the first trimester . During this period, the main fetus is laid, the neural tube is formed, on which the development of the entire nervous system directly depends. Vitamin deficiency in the first trimester can lead to miscarriage or severe fetal developmental disorders. Folic acid deficiency in a newborn may result in:

various mental illnesses; nine0006
neuroses;
mental retardation.

Therefore, folic acid during gestation (especially in the 1st trimester) must be regularly supplied to the female body in sufficient quantities. After the birth of baby , it is important not to interrupt the mother's intake of folic acid , since the infant receives this vitamin only through breast milk. And for a baby who is actively growing, acid is extremely important. It is a part of all cells of the body, therefore it is a kind of building material, the stocks of which must be regularly replenished. nine0003

Benefits of use for pregnant women:

elimination of anemia;
prevention of preterm birth;
improved mood;
ensuring healthy sleep.

The benefits of folic acid for the fetus:

ensuring the normal development of all vital organs and systems;
prevention of the development of disorders of the nervous system. nine0006

Foods rich in folic acid

Nature has endowed fresh fruits and vegetables with plenty of folic acid. Therefore, doctors recommend regularly eating parsley, lettuce, legumes, peanuts and oranges to replenish the vitamin in the body. A large supply of vitamin contains liver, kidneys, meat, milk and eggs .

Foods saturated with B9 are shown in the table:

But it is worth noting that most of the folic acid is destroyed during long-term storage of food and under the influence of hot water. Therefore, experts strongly recommend regular replenishment of the stock as part of special complexes. nine0003

Dosage of folic acid for women

The daily requirement of the female body for the vitamin is 200 mcg. Experts recommend increasing the daily intake to 500 micrograms in winter and spring. The female body is especially in dire need of an increased dose in a stressful situation or in the event of a nervous disease or depression.
The body of a pregnant woman requires an increased dose of folic acid - 400 mcg per day. nine0190 In exceptional cases (for example, with an acute vitamin deficiency, anemia), the dosage for the expectant mother can be increased to 800 mcg.

During the planning of pregnancy, experts strongly recommend that you consume more vitamin than usual (up to 600 mcg per day).
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