Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin B9. Vitamin B9 is a biologically inactive substance. For medical purposes, the substance is obtained artificially. Vitamin B9 is made in the form of ampoules, powders or tablets. Folic acid is also found in foods: spinach, beans, tomatoes, beets, eggs, meat, and animal liver.
Pharmacological properties
The substance is involved in the metabolism, and also plays a major role in the synthesis of immune cells, improves digestion. This drug is also called the maternity vitamin, because folic acid is the most important vitamin during pregnancy, which forms the fetus, stimulates cell growth and is necessary for the development of the placenta. Lack of this substance in the initial stages of pregnancy can threaten the fetus with a defect in the nervous system.
Folic acid with vitamins B12 and B6 regulates the mental state of a person, is involved in the synthesis of hormones serotonin and adrenaline, which are important for the nervous system. The substance is required for the replication of amino acids, nucleic acids, purines, pyrimidines, takes part in the exchange of choline. That is why for a complex effect, doctors recommend taking folic acid along with vitamins B12 and B6.
Folic acid (+ vitamin B12 and B6) Evalar combines substances in the right proportions for the best absorption in the body. The optimal dosage, excellent quality, reasonable price - these positive qualities distinguish the drug. Folic acid (+ vitamin B12 and B6) is taken as an active biological food supplement. Patient reviews about the drug company "Evalar" are positive.
Vitamin B9 prescribed in the form of a medicine (in combination with other supplements) is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, interacts intensively with plasma proteins, and penetrates the blood-brain-transmitted semipermeable barrier into the placenta and into breast milk. The complex of vitamins B6, B12, folic acid is excreted by the kidneys in the form of metabolites. Overdose is a rare occurrence.
Indications for use
Those who are deficient in vitamin B9 in the body are shown folic acid (Vitamin B12 and B6). Instructions for use include the following items:
- take a dietary supplement with food;
- adults need to take one tablet per day;
- the duration of the course is a month and a half.
Folic acid (vitamins B6, B12, C, E, B9) is a powerful compound that supports the cardiovascular system. The supplement is recommended for use in various diseases of the heart and blood vessels, with atherosclerosis, and also with the aim of reducing the risk of heart attacks.
Other indications for the appointment of folic acid as part of maintenance therapy are:
- intestinal tuberculosis;
- chronic gastroenteritis;
- anemia and leukopenia;
- pregnancy (vitamin is indicated to prevent neural tube disorders in the fetus);
- insufficient amount of acid in the body (with malnutrition, vegetarianism, pregnancy);
- tropical diarrhea.
Folic acid with vitamins B12 and B6 promotes the formation of enzymes that prevent the development of benign and malignant tumors.
The most common combination and good compatibility of substances are vitamins K, B6, B12, folic acid, zinc. Vitamin B9 is almost a safe drug, but doctors do not recommend taking the supplement for a long time, as it reduces the concentration of vitamin B12 in the body.
Folic acid for women: regimen
Seven out of ten women experience vitamin B6 deficiency. Folic acid with vitamins B12 and B6 is especially needed for expectant mothers and women just planning a pregnancy. A lack of vitamin in the motherโs body increases the risk of giving birth to a baby with pathologies or mental disability, can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or detachment of the placenta.
With a lack of B9, women in position experience weakness, dizziness, general health worsens, hair begins to fall out, and the appearance leaves much to be desired. Vomiting or diarrhea, anemia may occur.
Doctors recommend starting daily use of vitamins B6, B12 with folic acid in a dosage of 0.4 to 0.8 mg three months before the planned conception of the baby and during pregnancy. In the event that the pregnancy is not the first and pathologies are found in the development of the first baby, it is necessary to increase the dosage to 4 mg.
Also, this drug is necessary for women after fifty years, since a biological supplement improves well-being during menopause. Vitamin B6 reduces unpleasant symptoms, providing an estrogen-like effect. With regular use, the drug improves the mental state, normalizes sleep, reduces perspiration, regulates the ebbs and flows, normalizes blood pressure, eliminates heart palpitations.
Vitamin B9 also protects against macular degeneration - it is a lesion of the retina and, as a result, a rapid and severe deterioration in visual acuity.
Folic acid for men: dosage
Folic acid in a manโs body is responsible for sperm productivity and sperm count, and an insufficient amount of vitamin B9 can even lead to infertility. In addition, a folic acid deficiency can subsequently have a negative effect on the child, causing Down syndrome, epilepsy, or schizophrenia. For men, as well as for women, three months before the planned conception, it is important to start taking a biologically active supplement.
To compensate for the lack of folic acid in the body, you should consume fresh vegetables, fish, meat, cottage cheese, cheese in sufficient quantities. As a rule, doctors additionally prescribe 1 tablet (1 ml) of vitamin per day, and as part of the treatment of various diseases, the dosage is increased to 2-5 tablets per day.
Folic acid for children: instruction
From development in the womb to three years, during maturation, formation and growth, the child especially needs vitamin B9. But if the mother adheres to a balanced and healthy diet, the baby up to a year does not require additional intake of vitamin. Folic acid with vitamins B12 and B6 for adolescents is necessary for normal growth and good memory.
Depending on the age, the child is prescribed different dosages:
- up to 6 months - 25 mcg;
- from a year to 3 years - 50 mcg;
- from 14 years old - 200 mcg.
One tablet contains 1000 ฮผg of the substance, so children need to dilute one tablet in water, and then use the measuring syringe to measure the required dosage.
Use for weight loss and cosmetic purposes
Scottish scientists have confirmed that folic acid is an essential element for maintaining women's health and beauty. Vitamin A is a major contributor to the formation of white blood cells, red blood cells, new skin cells and hair. Vitamin B9 provides a healthy complexion, which is important for women.
For cosmetic purposes, vitamin B9 is used to heal and strengthen hair, prevent baldness, improve and strengthen nails, as well as regenerating and soothing agents. For hair in combination with masks, conditioners and shampoos, liquid acid is used. As part of the complex, vitamin or in products, vitamin B9 is used to accelerate metabolism in the body and fight excess weight.
Recipes for hair masks with vitamin B9:
- Oil burdock, rub a half teaspoon of vitamin B9 into your hair, wrap your head in a towel, hold for half an hour. Rinse off the hair with shampoo with a drop of folic acid.
- Mask for dry hair. Combine the avocado pulp (contains B9) with olive oil, add two drops of lemon juice. Keep the mask for about half an hour. Wash off with warm water and shampoo.
Folic acid in the human body breaks down fats. So a successful weight loss program is taking vitamins, proper and balanced nutrition, moderate physical activity.
Side effects and overdose
The possibility of an overdose of folic acid is very small. Excess acid from the body is excreted in the urine. But despite the harmlessness of the drug, there are side effects and a small likelihood of an overdose.
Doctors advise not to set the dosage on their own, but to drink as directed.
Possible side effects include:
- rash, itching of the skin, asthma attack, allergic reactions;
- insufficient amount of vitamin B12;
- the development of anemia;
- thickening of the layer of epithelium in the kidneys.
An overdose of vitamin B9 causes insomnia, diarrhea, cramps, acute abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation. When identifying the above symptoms, you need to see a doctor and only under his control to adjust the intake of vitamin. Additional therapy may be required.
Interaction with other drugs
Vitamin B9 reduces the effectiveness of phenytoin. Analgesics, anticonvulsants, estrogens and contraceptives increase the body's need for vitamin B9. Reduce the absorption of folic acid antacids, "Cholestyramine", sulfonamides. Dihydrofolate reductase is inhibited and folic acid Triamteren, Pyrimethamine, and Trimethoprim are reduced. For people who use these drugs, calcium folinate is also attributed to vitamin B9.
Contraindications to taking the supplement
It is not recommended to use vitamins with B6, B12 and folic acid with increased sensitivity, a serious allergic reaction to B vitamins and bronchial asthma. Folic acid activates cancer cells. The use of vitamin is contraindicated in renal failure and pyelonephritis. It is undesirable to take acid with hemochromatosis - this is a hereditary disease that manifests itself in impaired iron metabolism.
Tablets must be stored at a temperature not exceeding +25, in a dark and dry place. Shelf life is 36 months.