Vitamin B9 (folic acid) is the main "repair" vitamin. Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) Daily Intake of Vitamin B9

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;
• the possible development of obesity and diabetes in a child;
• 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.

Vitamin B9 (folic acid) belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins. For its useful properties, it has been given several “folk” names - “female vitamin”, “leaf vitamin”. It was isolated from spinach leaves (leaf in Latin - "folicum") by the English scientist N. Mitchell. Partially synthesized by the intestinal microflora, most of it enters the body with food.

All doctors and scientists recognize that it is vitamin B9 that is the “basis of the foundations” of the human body.

The effect of vitamin B9 (folic acid) on the body

The action of vitamin B9 is to regulate the development of new cells, chemical processes and enzyme activity. Folic acid is a participant in the synthesis of blood cells, in particular erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets, the synthesis of amino acids and RNA. This is important for the formation of the fetus and the prevention of fetal defects and premature birth. The required dosage of folic acid normalizes metabolism, the digestive process.

It is worth remembering that vitamin B9 has the most beneficial effect only in conjunction with vitamin B12, the absence of one of them sharply limits the property and action of the other.

With age, the functioning of the digestive tract begins to become more difficult, the body is no longer able to fully block poisons and toxins that enter with food and from the environment, protein absorption becomes more difficult. Eliminate these problems in the state of vitamin B9, its lack can aggravate the situation.

When exposed to folic acid, serotonin is released - the “hormone of joy”. Its lack can lead to depression, stress, which today affects young people and the working population. Therefore, folic acid was given another nickname - "the vitamin of good mood."

In addition to the above, immune processes, regeneration of the skin and internal tissues, hair growth fall into the sphere of its influence. So to the attention of both women and men: a lack of folic acid necessarily leads to premature hair loss and baldness. Here the result of a bad attitude towards your body will be evident!

What keeps folic acid from being absorbed?

It is not easy to get folic acid, we lose part of it when digesting food, we destroy part of it by taking alcohol, drugs, smoking. The ability to be absorbed is significantly reduced with impaired liver function.

As already known, vitamin B9 can be independently produced in the intestines, but who among the inhabitants of large cities today can boast of a healthy stomach? You will have to additionally consume fermented milk products, live yogurts, complexes with bifidobacteria - they will not hurt!

Heat treatment destroys the vitamin very quickly, so when cooking, try to close the pan with a lid and do not overcook. In addition, folic acid is degraded by sunlight at room temperature.

Cheese and meat contain a certain substance - methionine, which contributes to the expenditure of folic acid in an unnecessary direction. It is for this reason, and also thanks to plant-based nutrition, that vegetarians do not know the problems with a lack of a useful substance.

Alcohol is a terrible enemy of vitamin B6, but bifidobacteria, on the contrary, catalyze its own production. You just need to replace alcoholic cocktails with biokefir and your mood will rise, because the level of the “good mood vitamin” will increase. But there will be no hangover syndrome. It's a pity, right?

Vitamin B9 should be taken in a balanced complex with B12 and ascorbic acid, because. large doses of one can neutralize the effect of others.

Folic acid is also able to neutralize many drugs: aspirin, nitrofuran drugs, antiepileptic drugs (large doses of B9 can have the same effect on them), anti-tuberculosis therapy.

Daily rate

The daily intake of vitamin B9 is purely individual and depends on the circumstances. The optimal dosages for an adult are within 200 mcg - a minimum and 500 mcg - a maximum per day, but the main condition is regularity. The minimum dose guarantees a healthy lifestyle. However, with an increase in mental and physical stress, stress or illness, care must be taken to increase the dosage. During pregnancy and during the period of feeding newborns, as well as with age, the dosage should increase significantly, and consultation with a doctor will determine its norm.

By the way, not only a woman should take care of the health of her unborn child. During the period of pregnancy planning, a man absolutely does not interfere with the additional intake of vitamin B9.

For children, the norms depend on age:

• 0-12 months - 50 mcg;
• 1-3 years - 70 mcg;
• 4-6 years - 100 mcg;
• 6-10 years - 150 mcg;
• From 11 years of age and over - you can give an adult dose of 200 mcg.

Sources of Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Products containing the maximum amount of the beneficial substance indicated above are easy to determine - they are all dark green in color, since nothing new has been discovered in this regard. It is worth consuming them every day to improve health, including mental health, as well as to increase stamina.

The list is quite extensive, so compiling the “correct” menu will not be difficult. Let's start in order:

An interesting fact is that rural milk contains a lot of vitamin B9, but in the store pasteurized and sterilized - not a gram.

Vitamin B9 (folic acid) deficiency

A lack of vitamin B9 can cause serious damage to all functions of the human body. First of all, it will affect the growth of cells, which in turn will cause the growth of cancer cells, mental retardation in children, disrupt the central nervous system and blood formation processes.

Signs of a lack of folic acid in the body: depressed anxiety, fear, problems with memory, digestion, anemia, "red tongue" - stomatitis in the mouth, early gray hair, problems during pregnancy. Human activity is significantly reduced. Aggression or irritability is manifested, which can later develop into mania and paranoia. These symptoms must be recognized, otherwise folic acid deficiency will lead to more serious complications, such as nervous disorders, early menopause or problems with puberty in girls, atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.

Folic acid prevents skin diseases and hair problems, so you understand what a deficiency can lead to!

Vitamin B9 is quickly consumed by people leading an active lifestyle and beach lovers under the sun. They are advised to take additional doses of folic acid in order to avoid a significant lack of it in the body.

Too much vitamin B9 (folic acid)

Hypervitaminosis is observed extremely rarely, it is unrealistic to obtain such an amount from products, therefore it is possible only when taking pharmacological forms of folic acid for several months. This leads to overexcitability, sleep disturbances and intestinal disorders.

An excess of folic acid in pregnant women can manifest itself in the newborn in the form of asthma.

Indications for appointment

Indications for the appointment of vitamin B9 can be considered:

Content in pharmaceutical preparations

Folic acid is produced as a separate drug, sometimes in a complex of all B vitamins. It can be an integral part of multivitamin preparations, where a balanced complex is assembled.

Synthetic forms of folic acid are almost 2 times more active than natural ones. 600 micrograms in tablets are equivalent to 1000 micrograms of the substance from food.

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 the spinal cord and nervous system of the 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:

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 during 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 A: During pregnancy, 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 the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, the vitamin B complex, which includes folic acid, reduces the risk of stroke.
• Reducing the risk of 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 10-year study of 1,980 men in Finland 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 years 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 of 14 patients with low folate levels 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

Traditional healers, as well as doctors in traditional medicine, recognize the importance of folic acid for women, especially pregnant women, as well as 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, is 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 of the 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 is a serious illness 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 the 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 commonly included in moisturizing lotions and creams, which when applied topically can help improve overall skin quality and appearance.

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 are mainly affected, such as the epithelial lining of the gastrointestinal tract, the epidermis, and the 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

As a rule, excessive consumption of folic acid does not carry 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 staples 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.

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

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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.

In English, the vitamin is called Folic Acid. The Latin name is Acidum Folicum.

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

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.

Physicochemical characteristics

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 the normal metabolism of 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:

1. Stop taking supplements.
2. Increase the amount of pure water consumed to eliminate excess folate more quickly.
3. 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 in a child. 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 the 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 women 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 of the oral cavity.

Where can 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 effective.

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.

The discovery of vitamin B9 is inextricably linked to the fight against anemia.

In 1938, scientists isolated from yeast a complex of substances responsible for combating anemia and improving blood counts with its regular use. And in 1941 they succeeded in isolating folic acid. Soon chemists learned how to synthesize it artificially.

Folic acid - water-soluble, necessary for the growth and development of the circulatory and immune systems. Along with folic acid, vitamins include its derivatives, including di-, tri-, polyglutamates and others. All such derivatives, together with folic acid, are combined under the name folacin.

Physico-chemical properties of vitamin B9

Externally, folic acid is a yellowish and even slightly orange crystals of a very small size, resembling a powder. It absorbs water and water vapor very well, but almost does not dissolve in alcohol. Various alkalis are a good solvent for it. Vitamin B9 does not tolerate heat and prolonged exposure to light.

In many countries, legislation obliges manufacturers of flour products and grains to enrich them with folic acid. During cooking, some of the folate is destroyed.

Daily requirement for vitamin B9

According to two scientific studies in 1988 and 1994, most adults consume less folic acid than is recommended. However, in some countries since the end of the 20th century, the mandatory fortification of products with folic acid has led to the fact that its consumption has returned to normal.

The bioavailability of synthetic folic acid is higher than that of dietary folic acid. To offset the effects of these factors, the recommended daily allowance is measured in micrograms of "dietary folate equivalent".

The table shows a more detailed daily vitamin requirement:

Pregnant women are recommended to consume 600 micrograms, lactating women - 500 micrograms, and everyone else - 400 micrograms of folic equivalent per day. 1 mcg of dietary natural folate equals approximately 0.6 mcg of folate obtained in tablet form or as synthetic dietary supplements.

Folic acid is necessary for the creation and maintenance of new cells in a healthy state, so its presence is especially important during periods of rapid development of the body - at the stage of early intrauterine development and in early childhood. B9 significantly reduces the likelihood of preterm birth and the occurrence of congenital defects of the brain. Also, the vitamin stabilizes the emotional background in the postpartum period and smoothes out climatic disorders.

Vitamin B9 affects the growth and development of all tissues, improves the functioning of the immune system, and supports the cardiovascular system. Also involved in the synthesis of amino acids and enzymes. It has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the hematopoietic system and the functionality of leukocytes, on the health of the liver and on the digestive system as a whole. In addition, folic acid regulates the processes of excitation and inhibition of the nervous system, smoothes the effects of stressful situations.

The harmful properties of vitamin B9

According to some scientists, dietary supplements containing vitamin B9 are the cause of malignant tumors in the mammary glands. Therefore, if a woman with breast cancer consumes preparations containing folic acid, her condition may worsen significantly.

Vitamin B9 absorption

The degree of absorption and utilization of folic acid depends on the nature of the food and the method of its preparation. The ability to be absorbed is significantly reduced with impaired liver function. In order for the vitamin to be better absorbed, it is necessary to additionally consume fermented milk products, live yogurts, complexes with bifidobacteria will be very useful.

Lack of vitamin B9 can cause serious damage to all functions of the human body.

Signs of a folic acid deficiency:

• Suppressed restless state;
• Feeling of fear;
• memory problems;
• digestive problems;
• Stomatitis in the oral cavity;
• Anemia;
• Early gray hair;
• problems during pregnancy;
• Decreased human activity;
• Irritability and aggression;
• skin diseases;
• Hair loss.

Too much vitamin B9 in the body

An excess of vitamin B9 is rare, and it is almost impossible to get it from food, since it is impossible to eat enough to cause hypervitaminosis.

But an excess of folic acid can occur with uncontrolled intake of an excessive amount of the drug for several months. Against the background of an excess of vitamin in the body, kidney disease, nervous irritability and digestive disorders develop.

Interaction of vitamin B9 (Folic acid, vitamin M) with other substances

The intake of aspirin, anticonvulsants, sulfonamides, corticosteroid hormones leads to a decrease in the level of folic acid in the body.

The interaction of vitamin B9 with vitamins and prevents the formation of plaques in the vessels, thereby helping to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

For more information about vitamin B9, see the video clip “Organic Chemistry. Vitamin B9"