Vitamins with folic acid for children. Folic acid for children: instructions for use, dosage

Folic acid (also called vitamin B9) is necessary for absolutely every living organism. Its deficiency can greatly affect human health. It is very important to monitor its content in the body. This is especially true for young children.

Before we talk about methods of use and dosage, it is important to understand why children need folic acid. There are several advantages in total:

1. After using the drug, blood begins to circulate several times better. This prevents the risk of developing anemia at an early age.

2. Beneficial microflora is created in the intestines, which protects this organ from various diseases.

3. Improves bone marrow function.

Children need folic acid to strengthen the body, restore immunity and protect against the penetration of bacteria. Therefore, it is very important to start taking it, the sooner the better. Doctors talk about this.

Fortunately, most women take a responsible approach to such issues as family planning. Before conception, a conscious patient registers at the clinic, undergoes an examination and takes all the necessary tests. Doctors strongly recommend that every expectant parent (both mother and father) drink folic acid two tablets (400 mcg) twice a day.

First of all, the drug is necessary to maintain normal level hemoglobin in the blood. Many couples cannot conceive a child long time due to its insufficiency. Folic acid contains an important derivative - tetrahydrofolate. When it enters the body of a man or woman, it begins to secrete biochemical enzymes. As a result, the partner’s body is better prepared for the process of conception. The expectant father's sperm become faster and of better quality, and the expectant mother's ovulation process is more efficient. Thus, couples planning a pregnancy need to consume folic acid. Firstly, for successful conception baby. Secondly, for the full development of the fetus.

If conception and implantation of the embryo in the uterine cavity has occurred successfully, then medical experts also recommend consuming vitamin B9 throughout the first trimester. It is necessary in the body of the expectant mother in order to prevent the development of various neural tube defects, namely spina bifida, dropsy and brain hernia. Due to a lack of folic acid, various unpleasant moments may appear: placental abruption, disruption of its formation and other defects that can lead to miscarriage and premature birth. Be sure to remember this.

Children under 12 months do not need folic acid. It is prescribed by a pediatrician only for the following symptoms:

• If the child was born prematurely, that is, before the 37th week of pregnancy. This drug allows him to quickly catch up with his peers.
• If your baby is not gaining weight well. According to experts, in the first 12 months of life it should grow more than 2 times compared to its original parameters.
• If your baby has problems with bowel function. For example, when he often experiences constipation or diarrhea.

In rare cases, vitamin B9 is prescribed as an additional vitamin. This applies to newborns on artificial nutrition. Babies who are fed breast milk usually have enough of all the necessary vitamins.

Children also need folic acid during the period when they begin to attend kindergarten. Being in a large group often leads to the development of viral diseases. This drug produces immune bodies in the body that do not perceive childhood infections. In some cases, this vitamin is prescribed by a psychologist if the child does not adapt well to the environment.

Vitamin B9 must also be taken by schoolchildren. American scientists have proven that it improves several times intellectual activity and allows you to concentrate. In addition, this drug prevents the development of fatigue, which can arise from an unusual training load.

Lack of folic acid provokes a huge number of diseases. However, its excess will not lead to anything good. Therefore, it is very important to follow the dosage of folic acid for children:

• The most minimum quantity the drug is 25 mcg. This is the amount of vitamin that is enough for babies in the first six months of life.
• From 6 months, its amount can be increased to 35 mcg.
• Children over 1 year old – no more than 50 mcg.

That's not all. Further, the daily requirement of folic acid increases by 25 units every three years. That is, if a child is 3 years old, then he needs 75 mcg of the vitamin, 6 years old - 100 mcg, 9 years old - 125 mcg. The maximum daily intake is 200 mcg. This is exactly what is enough for children aged 14 years and older.

Fortunately, there are enough simple instructions on the use of folic acid for children:

1. First of all, you should pay attention to the dosage of one tablet. It can be equal to 400 mcg or 1 mg.
2. The required amount must be separated from it, depending on the age of the child.
3. Then you should carefully crush this particle so that you get a fine powder.
4. All that remains is to dilute it with water and give it to the child to drink.

It is worth considering that the intake of this vitamin does not depend on the consumption of food and other medicines. It has a neutral taste. Therefore, there is no need to drink it with water.

Still, some people may have difficulty with the instructions for folic acid for children. For example, if it is necessary to separate a particle equal to 25 mcg from 1 mg (for a newborn baby). To achieve this result, you need to do the following:

1. Divide the tablet into 4 equal parts.
2. One of them should be crushed into powder and diluted with 5 teaspoons of boiled water.
3. 2.5 ml of this solution (half a teaspoon) will contain 25 mcg of folic acid.

The medicine is given to older children in the same way. One teaspoon equals 50 mcg, and 2 teaspoons equals 100 mcg.

The course of treatment with this drug should range from two weeks to 30 days. The daily norm can be divided into 2-3 times if desired.

Folic acid can be given to children not only in the form of medicine, but also through regular food. For example, it is found in chicken, cabbage, cottage cheese, cheese, and almost all types of nuts and greens. It is advisable that they be preferred by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. This will reduce the risk of serious illness.

Vitamin B9 mandatory necessary for every citizen from a very early age. Its deficiency can negatively affect a person’s health and appearance (hair often begins to fall out, nails break, and acne appears). Therefore, experts recommend the use of folic acid for children and adults for prevention, at least once every three years. It is worth noting that the drug can be purchased at affordable price. One package containing 30 tablets costs about 100 rubles.

The need for folic acid (vitamin B9) is expressed in micrograms (mcg), otherwise in thousandths of a milligram. But this does not detract from its importance for the body at all stages. human life: from intrauterine development to old age. Deficiency leads to serious diseases, and in some cases to fatal consequences. This is why it is so important to monitor your child's folic acid needs. Why is this water-soluble vitamin prescribed to children, and in what dosages?

It is found in food in an inactive form and is called “folate”. Whereas vitamin complexes and food supplements contain a synthetic analogue of vitamin B9, which is called “folic acid”. Another term, folacin, applies to both forms.

Deficiency of folic acid in the body leads to hypovitaminosis, which is detected in 80% of cases and is one of the most common pathologies among all. age groups, including in children.

Vitamin deficiency is caused by folate instability in external environment and their significant loss after heat treatment of products. Vitamin B9 deficiency also occurs in diseases of the digestive system, accompanied by impaired absorption of nutrients.

IN childhood the need for folacin increases due to intensive growth, when even the timely intake of daily norms of the substance into the body is not able to compensate for the growing need.

Symptoms of hypovitaminosis (vitamin deficiency) develop gradually, but require mandatory and timely assistance to the child, as they can lead to serious disorders in the body. Folacin deficiency manifests itself:

• pale skin;
• lethargy, weakness;
• growth retardation;
• emotional instability;
• restless sleep;
• problems with activities nervous system;
• increased fatigue;
• loss of appetite;
• stomatitis, gastritis, enteritis.

But don’t rush to run to the pharmacy for a vitamin supplement if you notice any of the listed conditions in your baby. Folic acid should be prescribed to children by a doctor. Why? Because the symptoms of hypovitaminosis are identical for many substances. This is well illustrated by a table compiled based on many years of research by Earl Mindell.

When visiting a doctor, based on laboratory examination, blood parameters are determined (hemoglobin, number and shape of red blood cells, as well as the level of folic acid in the blood serum).

Treatment depends on the course and established severity of hypovitaminosis:

• In case of severe deficiency and malabsorption, folic acid is administered intramuscularly.
• To eliminate hypovitaminosis of moderate and mild degree tablets are used successfully.

For anemia

Even in the last century, it was noted that folic acid normalizes hematopoietic processes and eliminates anemia. Antianemic factor (as vitamin B9 was originally called) increases the production of bone marrow red blood cells– red blood cells.

With anemia caused by folacin deficiency, hematopoietic processes are inhibited. Against the background of normal hemoglobin levels, the number of red blood cells sharply decreases. However, they differ large sizes(megaloblasts), functional immaturity and inability to take up oxygen and deliver it to cells.

Megaloblastic (folate deficiency) anemia often appears in low-weight babies, premature babies, or with illnesses digestive tract and irrational feeding. There is only one way to treat such conditions - the administration of folic acid to children.

The disease manifests itself in the first year of life. It is characterized by impaired motor skills and mental retardation in children. The cause of the disease has not yet been established, but among the factors causing autism, blocking the entry of folic acid into the brain by one’s own antibodies has been identified.

The first studies in this area give timid but encouraging results - the administration of vitamin B9 improves the child’s verbal communication skills and reduces behavioral symptoms autism.

By the way, when planning a pregnancy, it is recommended to take folic acid 2-3 months before conception and subsequently, at all stages of pregnancy, as prophylactic, preventive development congenital anomalies and developmental delays in children.

For premature babies

Babies born prematurely face the impossible task of “maturing” and catching up with their peers in terms of body weight and height. At the same time, to develop harmoniously and improve every day, to withstand harsh realities (childhood diseases, infections, etc.).

Your own reserves of vitamin B9 will last for 2-4 weeks at most. Entry from outside is possible through breast milk provided that the mother does not experience a deficiency, or from infant formulas enriched with folacin. But absorption occurs extremely poorly in the still fragile, often malfunctioning digestive system.

Why do premature babies need folacin?

• Prevents the development of anemia and improves hematopoietic function.
• In addition to red blood cells, healthy bone marrow produces monocytes and leukocytes, which are involved in the immune response to pathogenic microorganisms.
• It has a beneficial effect on the intestines, creating conditions for the growth and reproduction of beneficial microflora and, in turn, the independent production of the substance in small quantities.
• It provides not only rapid cell division, necessary for active growth, but also a high-quality nucleic acid composition (DNA), which carries information about hereditary characteristics.

Often premature and low birth weight babies require complex treatment and the prescription of antibacterial agents, leading to folic acid deficiency. At this stage, specialists as replacement therapy Vitamin B9 supplements are often prescribed.

Read more about the rules of nutrition for premature babies.

Healthy children in their first year of life receive a daily dose of folacin from breast milk or infant formula. The vitamin content in mother's milk will satisfy the baby's need if the mother adheres to balanced nutrition and regularly takes vitamin preparations recommended during lactation. For artificial babies, it is recommended to select mixtures enriched with folic acid.

In 12 months, the baby should grow more than 2 times and triple its weight. And it is not surprising that children under one year of age are extremely sensitive to a lack of this vitamin, which is involved in all types of metabolism, the production of proteins for growth and production immune cells. This mandatory participant hematopoiesis, responsible for the production of healthy and functionally complete red blood cells.

Find out what vitamins children need in their first year of life.

For schoolchildren

Regulating brain activity, vitamin B9 significantly affects the academic performance of schoolchildren. This was first announced by scientists from the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami.

It turns out that the optimal level of folic acid in the blood serum helps schoolchildren cope with educational programs more easily, relieves emotional stress and a feeling of overwork, and in adolescence helps to overcome the difficulties of hormonal changes.

Instructions for use

Folic acid is available in two dosage forms: as a solution for intramuscular injection and in tablets of 1 mg.

Remember: the presence of instructions for use does not change the fact that the dosage and duration of the course can only be prescribed by the attending physician.

The vitamin is absorbed in the duodenum and small intestine, is deposited in the liver in the form of tetrahydrofolic acid, and the excess is excreted by the kidneys.

The main purpose of the drug is the treatment of anemia, the prevention of intrauterine development defects (neural tube in the fetus).

Children are given the vitamin after meals once a day in age-specific dosages:

• up to 6 months – 25 mcg;
• from 6 months to a year – 35 mcg;
• from one year to 3 – 50 mcg;
• from 3 to 6 years – 75 mcg;
• from 6 to 10 years – 100 mcg;
• from 10 to 14 years – 150 mcg;
• over 14 years old – 200 mcg.

A small dose necessary for the child, is difficult to separate from a tablet containing 1 mg (1000 mcg) of active substance. Therefore, for maximum accuracy, part of the tablet (1/4) is dissolved in water cooled after boiling in an amount of 25 ml. 1 ml of the resulting solution will contain 10 μg of active substance; respectively, 2.5 ml = 25 μg, 5 ml = 50 μg. A fresh solution is prepared daily, and the remains are poured out.

Overdose is almost impossible, but long-term use is associated with a risk of developing vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) hypovitaminosis.

The drug is contraindicated if the child has the following conditions:

• cyanocobalamin deficiency;
• pernicious anemia;
• individual intolerance (allergic skin manifestations);
• iron metabolism disorder.

The body's need for folate is met by eating foods with sufficient folate content.

Useful to include in children's menus fresh vegetables: tomatoes, beets, spinach and lettuce leaves, wild garlic and leeks. Sufficient amounts of the vitamin are found in hazelnuts, peanuts, broccoli, carrots, barley, eggs, meat, liver, milk and red fish.

Folacin quickly degrades when exposed to sunlight and during long-term storage. Significant losses occur in products after cooking. For example, when cooking, up to 75-90% of the vitamin is lost, and when frying, up to 95% of the vitamin is lost. And only half is absorbed from fresh greens.

A small amount is produced in the large intestine with the participation of beneficial microflora. But in case of intestinal diseases with malabsorption, independent synthesis almost completely stops.

In pediatric practice, medications are prescribed that contain folic acid supplemented with other vitamins that increase its absorption by the growing body.

These are multivitamin complexes well known to parents:

• "Multitabs";
• "Supradin";
• "Vitrum Baby";
• "Jungle";
• "Complivit";
• "ABC" and others.

In everyday life, vitamin B9 has received the laconic name “folk”, and in most young mothers it evokes an extremely trusting and respectful attitude. But your child will only benefit from taking folic acid if approved by a doctor.

The child's immune, nervous system and bone marrow require a regular supply of folate. Folic acid deficiency in children is compensated with the help of drugs, prescribed in dosage according to the age of the child.

Until the age of 3 years, a child’s brain is actively developing and improving specific immunity and musculoskeletal system. Rapid child development active formation its organs require a constant supply of nutrients and vitamins to the body.

In total, up to 6 months, a baby needs 25 mcg of folate daily. When breastfeeding, the newborn receives the required dosage of folates, all essential vitamins and minerals from mother's milk.

Vitamin B9 is definitely recommended for women during lactation. For the first 4 months, folic acid, which he receives from his mother, is sufficient for a newborn. From 4 months the baby begins to be fed, giving baby food, enriched with beneficial nutrients.

Premature babies have a high need for vitamins and microelements, since they were born without reserves of these nutrients, the accumulation of which occurs in the last weeks of pregnancy. Such children must be prescribed additional vitamin B9.

Full-term infants who are breastfed are not prescribed additional B9.

• poor weight gain;
• the appearance of ulcers in the mouth, diaper rash on the skin;
• frequent intestinal disorders;
• low hemoglobin;
• delays in physical development.

To give a baby vitamin B9 in tablets, take the single drug Folic acid, unless, of course, the pediatrician prescribes a complex vitamin supplement. A pure drug that does not include other vitamins and minerals is most often produced in dosages of 1 and 5 mg.

This is a very large dose for a baby who requires 25 mcg of B9 for up to six months. The required dosage obtained by dividing the tablet into parts.

How to give folic acid to a baby:

• to obtain a daily dose of 25 mcg, divide the 1 mg tablet into 4 parts;
• separate the quarter;
• crush it in a spoon, pressing with another spoon;
• dissolve in 25 ml of water;
• the resulting solution is injected into a bottle of water;
• Give the baby something to drink along with drinking water.

You can take the vitamin solution regardless of meals. The daily dosage of folic acid for infants can be divided into 2-3 doses per day, each time preparing a new portion.

In diluted form, the vitamin will not cause any harm to the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. The solution tastes good and is easy to drink.

From 6 months, the need for folic acid increases and reaches 35 mcg per day.

The daily dosage of folic acid increases, and to prepare a solution of the medicine, children will need to take a quarter of a 1 mg tablet and add half of another quarter to it.

The need for folic acid in children under 3 years of age is 50 mcg per day.

At this age, it is better to give vitamin tablets in dissolved form. Vitamin B9 can be given in tablet form after 6 years. The pediatrician can prescribe taking vitamin tablets from 2 weeks to 1 month, and extend them if necessary.

The need for folate increases in brain cells, in which active processes are taking place, new connections are formed between chains of neurons, and mental abilities are developing.

With a deficiency of vitamin B9, the process of formation of mature red blood cells is disrupted, which is why the brain does not receive enough oxygen. Oxygen starvation negatively affects the functioning of the brain and the entire nervous system as a whole.

From 6 to 10 years, the need for folate increases and amounts to 100 mcg daily. Adolescents from 10 to 14 years old need 150 mcg per day. After 14 years of age, a person should receive 200 mcg per day.

The dosage of B9 should not be exceeded. Exceeding the dose can cause unwanted side effects such as skin rashes, fever, bronchospasm. In children, sleep may be disturbed and digestion may be upset.

To avoid deficiency, it is advisable to constantly add fresh parsley, dill, and lettuce to your food. Give fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts more often. We described in detail which foods contain the most folic acid at separate page Folic acid in food.

Folic acid is vitamin B9, which is necessary for the development and formation of the body's circulatory and immune systems. For children, it is most important when the body is actively growing during fetal development and early childhood.

Acid is an essential component for regulating fat and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as hematopoiesis in the body. The vitamin supports vital functions and synthesizes new cells. For children, folic acid is needed to avoid anemia - a deficiency of red blood cells. If there is a lack of vitamin B9 in the body, the bone marrow, which is responsible for cell division, begins to suffer.

In the first weeks of intrauterine development, with a lack of folic acid, pathological processes in the central nervous system may occur in the child’s body, such as underdevelopment of the brain, cerebral hernias, etc. Folic acid is necessary for the development of the placenta, which provides the embryo with oxygen and nutrients. After the birth of a child, intensive growth of the body occurs. During the first year of life, the baby gains three times more weight than at birth. All his organs and systems are growing. Such active growth requires a considerable amount of folic acid.

For children, it is recommended to take folic acid for megaloblastic and nutritional macrocytic anemia. The drug is prescribed for the treatment of sprue syndrome, when the function of food absorption in the intestines is impaired. An indication for taking folic acid for children is also a decrease in white blood cell counts after ionizing radiation, radiotherapy and taking medications.

The dosage of the vitamin is determined by the attending physician depending on the age of the child and the severity of the disease. Recommended daily dose folic acid up to 6 months is 25 mcg, from 6 months to 1 year - 35 mcg, 1 - 3 years - 50 mcg, from 3 to 6 years - 75 mcg, from 6 to 1 years - 100 mcg, 10 - 14 years old - 150 mcg and from 14 years old - 200 mcg.

It should be remembered that the child’s body receives some part of folic acid through food. The vitamin is found in mother's breast milk, cereals, nuts, bananas, apricots, green vegetables, buckwheat and oatmeal, as well as in meat, dairy products, salmon and tuna. Heat processing of foods destroys folic acid.

If the child has a normal, balanced diet and the intestinal microflora is in order, the body independently produces acid and accumulates it in the liver. In other cases, it is necessary to take folic acid separately or as part of a vitamin-mineral complex.

Sources:

• Folic acid for children

Folic acid for children: application features

Folic acid for children - vitamin B9, is necessary for growth and proper development. Provides work hematopoietic system, participates in DNA synthesis, is useful for brain function. It is important for children under three years of age to get the required amount of folic acid. Without vitamin B9, cell division and growth are impossible. Older children need vitamin B9 to maintain immunity.

Even at the stage of intrauterine growth, the fetus needs a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals. Doctors recommend starting to take folic acid before conception and continuing during pregnancy. A lack of vitamin B9 leads to developmental pathologies, in particular to neural tube defects of the fetus. Each expectant mother takes vitamins recommended by doctors, which makes a significant contribution to the birth of a healthy baby.

For children under one year of age, vitamin B9 is necessary for the proper functioning of the hematopoietic system. Its deficiency during this period of life affects the bone marrow, the processes of creating blood cells slow down, which can lead to anemia. A baby up to six months receives all the necessary vitamins from breast milk, so doctors recommend additional dose folic acid for nursing mothers.

If breastfeeding is not possible, your pediatrician will recommend formula fortified with vitamin B9.

After a year, intensive growth of the body continues. During this period of life, vitamin B9 ensures the division and growth of new cells, affects the speed of thinking, absorption new information. IN kindergarten and at school children learn the world around us Therefore, under the age of 14 years, it is necessary to include in the diet foods rich in B vitamins (citrus fruits, legumes, chicken meat, cereals, dairy and fermented milk products).

With a lack of vitamin B9 occurs serious illness– macrocytic anemia. Pediatricians pay close attention to the treatment of anemia in premature infants. If the baby is born ahead of schedule, some of its systems must mature, and for this the body needs oxygen. When there is not enough oxygen in the blood, there is a delay in physical and mental development.

In premature babies, especially those with low body weight, hemoglobin levels in the blood are often below normal. Doctors explain this by the immaturity of the hematopoietic system. There is no special treatment for anemia in premature babies. Provided that the hemoglobin level is not significantly reduced and all other tests are normal, the body copes with this pathology on its own.

Sometimes a severe form of anemia develops due to a lack of vitamin B9 and iron. Depending on the characteristics of the disease, the doctor may recommend separate appointment folic acid for premature babies. It is important to know the symptoms of anemia and pay attention to them in time so that the baby grows up healthy. In premature babies and children under one year of age, following symptoms anemia:

• Paleness of the skin;
• Sluggish breastfeeding;
• Loss of appetite;
• Fatigue;
• Low weight gain;
• Excessive tearfulness, irritability;
• Apathy, lack of interest in exploring the world;
• With severe and prolonged vitamin deficiency, mouth ulcers can form.

• Read also: concussion in a child

Sometimes doctors prescribe vitamin B9 in combination with therapy to treat intestinal dysbiosis. The fact is that children under one year old have microflora gastrointestinal tract only formed, under some external influences ( severe stress, taking antibiotics), the fragile mechanism may be disrupted. Folic acid for children has a positive effect on growth beneficial microorganisms in the intestines.

If the diagnosis of dysbiosis is confirmed by tests, B vitamins are prescribed in combination with prebiotics.

For the treatment and prevention of anemia, vitamin B9 is available in tablet form. One tablet contains 1 mg of folic acid. For children under one year old, the tablet should be crushed, the resulting powder should be diluted with a few drops of water and given using a pipette or syringe without a needle immediately before feeding. Older children take the tablet with water on their own.

The dosage of the drug depends on the baby’s age, dietary habits, course of the disease and other factors. The instructions for the drug contain information on doses, but on average the recommendations are as follows (the amount of folic acid per day is indicated):

• For premature babies and infants up to one year old, the daily dose is 10-40 mcg;
• Children from one to three years old are prescribed a dosage of 40 to 60 mcg;
• For children from three to six years old, the dosage is up to 75 mcg;
• Children from six to ten years old will need from 75 to 100 mcg;
• For children from ten to fourteen years old, the dosage is up to 150 mcg.

Remember that only a doctor can prescribe the drug and dose! The doctor will also indicate the duration of the course. Despite the relative safety of the drug, it is not recommended to take it for more than 30 days.

Vitamin B9 is contained in almost all vitamin complexes for children. Among the most popular drugs It is worth highlighting the Alphabet vitamins, Vita Mishki chewing marmalade, and Multi Tabs vitamin complex. However, parents should not choose a drug for their child on their own; only a doctor can give recommendations for use.

Sometimes the stated dosage of folic acid in a vitamin complex is higher than recommended. The synthetic form of vitamin B9 is difficult to absorb. Excessive amounts of the substance are excreted unchanged from the body by the kidneys. Overdose is extremely rare. But it is not recommended to exceed the prescribed dose. Please note that the instructions for use of the drug contain information about side effects, if they occur, you should stop taking vitamins.

also called

vitamin IN

and is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for the normal course of hematopoietic processes in

bone marrow

and protein synthesis. With a deficiency of folic acid, a person develops macrocytic anemia, which in its characteristics and mechanism of development is similar to megaloblastic or pernicious anemia caused by a lack of vitamin B

Folic acid enters the human body with food or is produced by microflora in the intestines. The vitamin is absorbed into the blood after preliminary conversion into a free form and is delivered to the liver, bone marrow and other organs and tissues.

Folic acid gets its name from Latin word"folium" means "leaf" because the largest amounts of this vitamin are found in the green leaves of various vegetables such as

salad, etc. For vitamin B

in addition to folic acid, there are a number of compounds that are its derivatives and combined common name

folacin or

folates. But since all compounds, united by the common name “folacin”, have vitamin activity and are absorbed by the body, in the further text of the article we will use the concepts “vitamin B

" and "folic acid" as synonyms, meaning all folacins.

Folic acid can enter the human body not only through food and dietary supplements, but also produced in the upper third of the small intestine by microorganisms normal microflora. In many cases, folic acid is produced by microorganisms intestinal microflora in quantities that fully satisfy a person’s daily needs. Therefore, even if folic acid is supplied from food in insufficient quantities, symptoms of its deficiency may not develop, since the missing amount of this vitamin is synthesized by microflora in the intestines.

Vitamin B9 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow. The fact is that folic acid activates enzymes that ensure the occurrence of biochemical reactions, during which mature red blood cells are formed. Therefore, with folic acid deficiency, anemia develops.

In addition, vitamin B9 is necessary for the synthesis of proteins and DNA, and, accordingly, for cell division of all organs and tissues. During division, new cells are formed to replace dead or damaged ones. That is, folic acid ensures the process of repair and replacement of dead cellular elements with new ones and, thus, maintains the normal structure of all organs and tissues. In addition, folic acid provides normal development fetus, especially in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, since it is during this the period is running very intensive cell division, during which the formation of organs and tissues occurs.

Since the formation of new cells occurs at different rates in different tissues, the need for folic acid in different organs is different. Thus, the greatest need for folic acid is experienced by tissues in which frequent renewal occurs. cellular composition, namely skin, mucous membranes, hair, blood, testicles in men and ovaries in women, the fetus in the initial stages of pregnancy, etc. That is why, with a deficiency of folic acid, the organs in which intensive cell division occurs are primarily affected.

Thus, with a deficiency of folic acid, defective sperm and eggs are formed, developmental defects form in the fetus, the skin becomes dry, flaky and flabby, and various diseases develop in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. This happens because the cells of these organs are dividing intensively and they need folic acid for the normal course of this process.

In addition, vitamin B9 is involved in the production of serotonin, the joy hormone that ensures normal mood and well-being. Therefore, with a lack of folic acid, a person may develop dementia (dementia), depression, neuroses and some other disorders of brain function.

Folic acid is also involved in the transmission process nerve impulses. Therefore, with folic acid deficiency, neuritis and polyneuritis can develop.

Folic acid when planning pregnancy

Folic acid is the only vitamin that all pregnant women must take until at least 12 weeks, since it is during this period that the development of the nervous system and the formation of other organs and tissues of the fetus occur, for which folacin is necessary. However, it is recommended to take folic acid already at the planning stage, without waiting for pregnancy, in order to create a normal concentration of this vitamin in the tissues. In this case, by the time pregnancy occurs, the woman is guaranteed to have no folic acid deficiency, which can be critical for the growth and development of the fetus, as well as the course of pregnancy.

When planning a pregnancy It is recommended to start taking folic acid 3 – 4 months before expected conception so that by the time the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus, the woman’s body does not have a deficiency of this vitamin. When the test results indicate conception, Folic acid intake must be continued until at least the 12th week of pregnancy. After this gestational age, folic acid intake can be discontinued or continued at the request of the woman, if she does not have a deficiency of this vitamin. If there are signs of folic acid deficiency, then it must be taken before birth in an individual dosage prescribed by a doctor. In addition, if a woman who does not suffer from folate deficiency wants and has the financial ability to take folic acid after 12 weeks of pregnancy, then she can also do this until birth. Moreover, doctors and scientists consider it advisable to take folic acid during the planning stage and after the 12th week of gestation before childbirth. Doctors consider taking folic acid from the beginning until the 12th week of pregnancy mandatory.

The importance of using folic acid during the planning stage and during pregnancy is due to the fact that this vitamin is critically necessary for the rapid proliferation of cells that occurs during embryo growth. With a deficiency of this vitamin, malformations of the nervous system are formed, and increased risk miscarriages, placental abruption, intrauterine fetal death, etc. Thus, it was found that taking folic acid in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy prevents malformations of the nervous system in the fetus by 70%.

In addition, folacin prevents miscarriages, spontaneous abortions, miscarriage, placental abruption and other complications of pregnancy, which are especially dangerous in its early stages, since they almost inevitably lead to the death of the fetus.

At the stage of pregnancy planning in most countries, including the CIS, doctors recommend taking 400 mcg of folic acid per day for women who have not previously had births or miscarriages of fetuses with neural tube defects. If a woman has had miscarriages or the birth of fetuses with neural tube defects, or she is taking antiepileptic drugs or cytostatics, then in this case the dosage of folic acid at the pregnancy planning stage should be increased to 800 - 4000 mcg per day. Exact dosage determined by the doctor individually. After pregnancy, women should take folic acid at the same dosage as during the planning stage until the 12th week of gestation.

Read more about planning pregnancy

Folic acid during pregnancy Iron and folic acid are the only substances that have been proven to improve the outcome and course of pregnancy in all women. That is why the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all pregnant women take folic acid and iron without fail.

Vitamins with folic acid should definitely be taken from the beginning of pregnancy until the 12th week of gestation inclusive. This means that as soon as a woman finds out she is pregnant, she should start taking folic acid that same day. If vitamin B9 was taken before pregnancy at the planning stage, then after conception it is necessary to continue taking it in the same dosage until the 12th week of gestation inclusive.

Starting from the 13th week of gestation, folic acid must be taken by pregnant women suffering from a deficiency of this vitamin or taking medications that reduce its absorption, such as antiepileptic and antimalarial drugs, as well as cytostatics. All other women, starting from the 13th week of gestation, are recommended to continue taking folic acid until childbirth, but this is not necessary, but it is advisable.

If a woman begins to take multivitamin complexes for pregnant women from the second trimester, then there is no need to take additional folic acid, since this vitamin is included in all modern multivitamins. If these vitamin complexes are not taken during the entire pregnancy, then at times when the woman does not use them, it is advisable to drink folic acid separately.

During pregnancy, folic acid is recommended to be taken in a dosage of 400 mcg per day for women who have not previously had births or miscarriages of children with neural tube defects. If a woman has had a history of giving birth to children or spontaneous abortions of a fetus with neural tube defects, then she should take folic acid in a dosage of 1000 - 4000 mcg (1 - 4 mg) per day. In addition, pregnant women who are taking antiepileptic, antimalarial drugs or cytostatics should increase the dosage of folic acid to 800 - 4000 mcg. In these cases, the dosage of the vitamin is determined by the doctor individually.

Pregnant women must take folic acid, since this vitamin is very important for the normal course of pregnancy, as well as the growth and development of the fetus. Thus, a lack of folic acid is one of the main triggering factors that provoke miscarriage, spontaneous miscarriage, placental abruption, intrauterine fetal death, as well as the formation of neural tube defects in the child. If neural tube malformations have formed on early stage pregnancy (up to 8–9 weeks), then in almost all cases they are incompatible with life, that is, fetal death and miscarriage occur. If malformations of the neural tube are formed after 8–9 weeks of gestation, this can lead to the birth of a child with hydrocephalus, cerebral hernia, etc. In addition, even if the child does not develop neural tube defects due to folic acid deficiency in the body of a pregnant woman, after birth he may suffer from mental retardation, psychosis, neuroses, etc.

In addition, a lack of folic acid negatively affects the course of pregnancy and the general well-being of the woman herself. Thus, with a deficiency of this vitamin in a pregnant woman, the risk of developing toxicosis, depression, leg pain and anemia significantly increases. A lack of folic acid in a pregnant woman's body can manifest itself as the following symptoms:

• Chronic fatigue and irritability;
• Neuroses;
• Restlessness, anxiety;
• Insomnia;
• Lack of appetite;
• Feeling of heaviness in the stomach;
• Memory impairment;
• Apathy;
• Stomatitis;
• Dry skin and hair loss.

If a pregnant woman has four or more of the above symptoms, then this indicates that she is suffering from folic acid deficiency. In such a situation, you should donate blood to determine the concentration of vitamin B9 in it, based on the results of which the doctor will select the necessary therapeutic dose of folic acid, which should be taken daily until delivery. Normally, the concentration of folic acid in the blood is 3 – 17 ng/ml. The lower the level of vitamin in the blood of a pregnant woman, the higher the dosage of the vitamin she needs.
Dosage of folic acid during planning and pregnancy

At the planning stage of pregnancy, folic acid should be taken in a dosage of 400 mcg for women who have not previously had miscarriages or the birth of children with neural tube defects. After pregnancy, these women must continue to take folic acid in the same dosage (400 mcg per day) without fail until the 12th week of gestation inclusive.

If in the past a woman has had miscarriages or the birth of children with neural tube defects (for example, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, etc.), then at the planning stage she should take folic acid 1000 - 4000 mcg (1 - 4 mg) per day. After pregnancy, this category of women should take folic acid in the same dosage, that is, 1000 - 4000 mcg per day. IN similar situations The dosage is determined by the doctor individually.

If a woman is taking any medications that reduce the absorption of folic acid (for example, antiepileptics, antimalarials, sulfonamides, antihyperlipidemics, antituberculosis, cytostatics, nitrofurans, drugs with alcohol, glucocorticoids, Aspirin in high doses), then at the stage of pregnancy planning she should drink folic acid 800 - 4000 mcg per day. When pregnancy occurs this category women should take folic acid in the same dosage as at the planning stage, that is, 800 - 4000 mcg per day.

In addition, these women must take folic acid not before the 12th week of gestation, but throughout pregnancy or during the period during which they are taking medications that impair the absorption of the vitamin. That is, if medications are taken throughout pregnancy, then folic acid is taken in the indicated dosages before birth. If at some stage of pregnancy a woman stops taking medications that impair the absorption of folic acid, then she should do the following:

• If this happened before the 12th week of gestation, then it is imperative to continue taking folic acid at a dosage of 400 mcg per day until the start of the 13th week;
• If this happens after the 12th week, then you should either stop taking folic acid or continue, but reduce its dosage to 400 mcg per day.

Men, like women, need folic acid for normal hematopoiesis and intestinal function and

And also for transmitting impulses over nerve fibers. However, this is the general biological role of folic acid, which it plays in the human body.

In addition, folic acid is very important for conceiving a child, both for men and women. Thus, it is vitamin B9 that takes part in the process of maturation and formation of normal, non-defective, full-fledged sperm in men. And therefore, taking folic acid by men increases the likelihood of conceiving a healthy child.

Recent studies have shown that taking folic acid in a dosage of 600 - 1000 mcg reduces the number of defective sperm with the wrong number of chromosomes by 20 - 30%, which, accordingly, prevents the birth of children with developmental defects and genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome , Shershevsky-Turner syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Creutzfeldt-Jakob syndrome, etc.

In addition, a decrease in the number of defective sperm while taking folic acid increases the likelihood of conception. Thus, a man who takes folic acid will be able to impregnate a woman faster and, in addition, he will give birth to healthier offspring.

That is why men are recommended to include in their diet foods rich in folic acid, such as liver, beef, pork, tuna, salmon, cheeses, legumes, bran, nuts, leafy vegetables, etc. In addition, to receive sufficient quantity folic acid, men can take vitamins or dietary supplements.

Separately, it should be noted that doctors recommend that you take folic acid supplements at a dosage of 800 mcg per day for a week after drinking large amounts of alcohol. This recommendation is aimed at replenishing folic acid deficiency in a man’s body, which inevitably occurs after heavy alcohol consumption, since ethanol disrupts absorption and washes this vitamin out of organs and tissues.

Since folic acid deficiency most often occurs in full-term or preterm infants

newborns

or young children, it is necessary to very carefully ensure that these categories of children receive a sufficient amount of the vitamin through food or dietary supplements.

Folic acid deficiency in children leads to the following negative consequences:

• Development of macrocytic anemia;
• Weight loss;
• Inhibition of hematopoiesis;
• Disruption of the normal process of maturation of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract and skin;
• Increased risk of developing enteritis, diaper rash and delayed psychomotor development.

In the fetus, newborns and children of the first year of life, folic acid deficiency develops due to a lack of this vitamin in the mother’s body during pregnancy or its low content in milk formulas for artificial feeding. Natural feeding (breastfeeding) promotes quick elimination folic acid deficiency in infants, since human milk contains enough folic acid for the needs of a growing baby, even if the woman herself suffers from a lack of vitamin B9.

Artificial feeding does not help eliminate the infant's folic acid deficiency, since this vitamin is destroyed when formula is heated. In addition, artificial feeding can lead to folic acid deficiency in an infant who was born without it, for the same reason - the destruction of the vitamin in the process of heating formulas.

Therefore, full-term children under one year old who are on artificial feeding, it is recommended to give vitamin B9 at a dosage of 100 mcg per day. Premature babies, regardless of the type of feeding, must be given folic acid 100 mcg per day, since 2–3 weeks after birth they develop a vitamin deficiency and the risk of infectious complications increases.

Instructions for use of folic acidGeneral rules

Folic acid can be taken in the form of vitamins or dietary supplements (dietary supplements) to prevent or eliminate deficiency of this vitamin in the body.

To prevent deficiency, folic acid should be taken in the following cases:

• Insufficient nutrition in quantity or quality;
• Increased need for folic acid (pregnant women, nursing mothers, premature babies, bottle-fed newborns);
• Reduced absorption of folic acid (for example, with alcoholism, inflammatory bowel diseases, chronic diarrhea, malabsorption syndrome, sprue, taking antiepileptic drugs, medications with trimethoprim, methotrexate, etc.);
• The presence of malnutrition (low body weight), ulcers on the oral mucosa, anemia and chronic inflammatory diseases intestines.

As a preventative measure, folic acid is taken in a dosage of 200–400 mcg per day. It is allowed to increase the preventive dosage of folic acid to 800 mcg per day, especially for nursing mothers and young children.

To eliminate folic acid deficiency, vitamin preparations and dietary supplements are taken in higher dosages compared to preventive ones. In such cases, the dosage is determined by the doctor individually and can reach up to 75–80 mg per day. That is, the therapeutic dose of folic acid can be 200 times higher than the preventive dose.

Taking folic acid supplements to eliminate its deficiency in the body is necessary if the following symptoms are present:

• Megaloblastic anemia, combined with thrombocytopenia and leukopenia;
• Heilosis;
• Dry red “varnished” tongue;
• Esophagitis;
• Conjunctivitis;
• Enteritis with diarrhea;
• Steatorrhea;
• Growth retardation in children;
• Long-term wound healing;
• Immunodeficiency;
• Exacerbation of chronic infectious diseases;
• Low-grade body temperature, recorded for at least three weeks;
• Memory impairment;
• Irritability;
• Hostility towards others;
• Paranoia.

All of the above conditions and diseases are caused by a deficiency of folic acid, so taking this vitamin helps eliminate them, that is, recovery, improvement of general condition, normalization of well-being and vital processes.

Besides, Folic acid in therapeutic dosages is used in the complex treatment of the following diseases:

• Enteritis;
• Diseases of the hematopoietic organs (bone marrow, spleen, liver);
• Radiation sickness;
• Chronic hepatitis;
• Cirrhosis;
• Atherosclerosis;
• Psoriasis;
• Depression;
• Increased anxiety;
• Cervical dysplasia.

Folic acid dosage

The dosage of folic acid depends on whether it is taken prophylactically or therapeutic purpose. To prevent folic acid deficiency against the background of a qualitatively and quantitatively balanced diet, it should be taken 200 mcg per day. If your diet is poor, it is recommended to take 400 mcg of folic acid per day.

To eliminate folic acid deficiency revealed by test results (blood concentration below 3 ng/ml), it should be taken in a dosage of 800 - 5000 mcg per day. In this case, the dosage is determined by the doctor individually and adjusted based on the concentration of folic acid in the blood according to test data. To eliminate the deficiency, folic acid in the indicated dosages must be taken for 20 to 30 days. After this, it is recommended to switch to taking folic acid in a prophylactic dosage (200 - 400 mcg per day), which can be continued for several months until the state of health is completely normalized and all symptoms of deficiency disappear.

To treat folate deficiency anemia, vitamin B9 preparations should be taken at a dose of 1000 mcg per day until the blood picture and hemoglobin level are normalized.

However, for the treatment of folate deficiency anemia and elimination of vitamin B9 deficiency in the body in people suffering alcohol addiction, malabsorption syndrome, liver failure, liver cirrhosis, as well as those who have had their stomach removed or are under stress, the dosage of folic acid is increased to 5000 mcg per day.

IN complex therapy for various diseases (atherosclerosis, cervical dysplasia, psoriasis, etc.), folic acid should be taken in very high dosages - from 15 to 80 mg per day (15,000 - 80,000 mcg), which are determined individually by the doctor.

How much folic acid should you take?

In prophylactic dosages, not exceeding 400 mcg per day, folic acid can be taken for as long as desired.

In the treatment of folic acid deficiency the vitamin in medicinal dosages must be taken for 20 to 30 days. After this, you should switch to taking folic acid in preventive dosages (200 - 400 mcg per day).

In the treatment of folate deficiency anemia the vitamin should be taken until the blood picture normalizes (the disappearance of giant red blood cells from it) and hemoglobin level.

When using folic acid in complex therapy of various diseases The duration of its use is determined by the doctor individually in each specific case. However, usually in such cases folic acid in high dosages is taken for a long time.

How to take vitamin B9?

Folic acid preparations should be taken orally, regardless of food. Tablets or capsules must be swallowed whole, without chewing, biting or crushing in any other way, but with a small amount of

To fully cover the daily requirements for folic acid, children and adults should receive the following amounts of this vitamin daily:

• Newborns up to six months – 65 mcg per day;
• Children 7 – 12 months – 85 mcg per day;
• Children 1 – 3 years – 150 – 300 mcg per day;
• Children 4 – 8 years old – 200 – 400 mcg per day;
• Children 9 – 13 years old – 300 – 600 mcg per day;
• Children 14 – 18 years old – 400 – 800 mcg per day;
• Men and women over 19 years of age - 400 - 1000 mcg per day;
• Pregnant women and nursing mothers - 600 - 1000 mcg per day.

For adults, an adequate and sufficient intake of folic acid to cover the body's needs is 500 - 600 mcg per day.

Folic acid deficiency is currently common in the CIS countries - according to international organizations 66 – 77% of the population suffer from a deficiency of this vitamin. Folic acid deficiency is most often observed in pregnant and lactating women, the elderly and young children.

Vitamin B9 deficiency can develop for the following reasons:1. Insufficient intake of the vitamin from food (qualitatively or quantitatively inadequate diet).

2. Increased need for vitamin (pregnancy, breastfeeding, periods of intensive growth in children and adolescents, skin diseases, hemolytic anemia etc.).

3. Poor absorption of folic acid in the intestines under various chronic diseases(for example, enteritis, chronic diarrhea, sprue, malabsorption syndrome, etc.).

4. Binding of folic acid and deterioration of its absorption while taking certain medications, such as:

• Medicines containing alcohol;
• Pentamin;
• Triamterene;
• Pyrimethamine;
• Trimethoprim;
• Phenytoin;
• Methotrexate;
• Aminopterin;
• Amethopterin;
• Barbiturates;
• Sulfonamides;
• Antiepileptic drugs;
• Antimalarials;
• Anti-tuberculosis drugs;
• Antihyperlipidemic drugs;
• Cytostatics;
• Preparations containing nitrofurans;
• Glucocorticoids;
• Aspirin in high dosages.

Folic acid deficiency is manifested by the following symptoms:

• Megaloblastic anemia;
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count in the blood);
• Leukopenia (low number of white blood cells);
• Increased level of bilirubin in the blood;
• Cheilosis (pallor, maceration, transverse cracks and a bright red border in the area of ​​​​the junction of the lower and upper lips);
• Gunter's glossitis (dry, red, “varnished” tongue);
• Esophagitis;
• Conjunctivitis;
• Atrophic or erosive gastritis;
• Enteritis with diarrhea;
• Steatorrhea.

Severe folic acid deficiency causes growth retardation in children, long healing wounds, immunodeficiency, exacerbation of chronic infections and constant low-grade fever.

Besides, Folic acid hypovitaminosis can provoke the following nonspecific symptoms:

• Fatigue;
• General weakness;
• Headache;
• Fainting;
• Paleness of the skin and mucous membranes;
• Weight loss;
• Irritability;
• Memory impairment;
• Hostility;
• Paranoia;
• Neuritis and polyneuritis.

Since folic acid is water-soluble vitamin, when it enters the body in excess, only the required amount is absorbed, and the excess is excreted. Therefore, there is no data on the development of symptoms of an overdose of folic acid, even when consumed in doses hundreds of times higher than the daily requirement.

However, according to the observations of doctors, about half of people receiving folic acid in dosages of 15 mg per day or higher suffer from bloating, flatulence, vomiting, anorexia, vivid dreams, malaise and irritability. Similar symptoms appear after a month of taking folic acid in high doses.

In isolated cases, high dosages of folic acid (more than 15 mg per day) cause indigestion, excitability, and hypertrophy of kidney cells.

Currently, there are medicines and dietary supplements (BAS) containing folic acid on the pharmaceutical market. Medicines contain folic acid in high dosages (400 - 1000 mcg), and dietary supplements - in low dosages (no more than 400 mcg). Accordingly, medications must be taken for treatment, and dietary supplements for prevention. In addition, there are preparations with folic acid, containing only this vitamin, and vitamin-mineral complexes, which include different vitamins and minerals. Such multivitamin complexes are essentially dietary supplements, and therefore are intended for preventive use. Here are lists of medications and dietary supplements containing folic acid.

The following preparations in tablet form contain folic acid in medicinal dosages:

• Ascofol;
• Mamifol;
• Foliber;
• Folic acid tablets;
• Folacin;
• 9 months Folic acid.

In this section we provide a list of vitamins containing folic acid in preventive dosages, including multivitamin complexes. So, currently on the pharmaceutical market there are the following dietary supplements with folic acid:

• Alphabet;
• Berocca-Plus;
• Bio-Max;
• Gendevit;
• Duovit;
• Vitaspectrum;
• Vitatress;
• Vitrum;
• Dr. Theiss Multivitamol;
• Lavita;
• Materna;
• Megadin Pronatal;
• Multi-Max;
• Multiproduct;
• Multi-Tabs;
• Pregnavite;
• Pregnakea;
• Pregnoton;
• Reddit;
• Supradin;
• Teravit;
• Folio;
• Centrum;
• Elevit.

The highest amounts of folic acid are found in the following foods

• Oranges;
• Porcini mushrooms;
• Brussels sprouts;
• Beef and pork liver;
• Grapefruits;
• Buckwheat;
• Yeast;
• Parsley;
• Beet greens;
• Caviar;
• Honey melon;
• Carrot;
• Oatmeal;
• Kidneys;
• Millet;
• Salad;
• Hard varieties of cheese;
• Cottage cheese;
• Tomatoes;
• Beans;
• Wholemeal bread;
• Horseradish;
• Cauliflower;
• Black currant;
• Spinach;
• Egg yolk;
• Barley groats.

Folic acid (vitamin B9) – reviews

Almost all reviews about folic acid are positive, regardless of the purpose for which this vitamin was taken. Reviews indicate that the vitamin eliminates

drowsiness

Helps normalize

menstrual cycle

Increases

immunity

Improves general condition and well-being. Separately, it should be noted that all reviews about taking folic acid during pregnancy are also positive, due to its positive effect on growth and

child development

It is also well tolerated and has no side effects.

The cost of drugs containing only folic acid varies, since they are produced by different pharmaceutical factories. Currently, a package of folic acid in pharmacies in Russian cities costs from 47 to 120 rubles.

Folic acid (vitamin B9) is necessary not only for pregnant women, but also for people of any age. Unfortunately, it is often unreasonably deprived of attention. Vitamin B9 deficiency leads to various disorders in the body. Children need to take this substance for iron deficiency anemia and some other pathologies.

Why do you need folic acid?

Vitamin B9 regulates carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and also takes part in hematopoiesis processes. It ensures the normal functioning of the entire body and is responsible for the synthesis of new cells. Folic acid is very important for children, as it helps prevent the development of iron deficiency anemia. With a lack of this substance, the bone marrow suffers.

For women planning to conceive, as well as expectant mothers, vitamin B9 is prescribed to prevent developmental disorders of the fetal neural tube. In addition, folic acid is necessary for the normal functioning of the placenta, which provides the baby with nutrients and oxygen. It is impossible to provide a woman’s body with a sufficient amount of this substance only by consuming food.

When a baby is born, it rapidly gains weight. In just one year it increases approximately threefold. All systems of a young body grow and develop. For this process to proceed normally, the baby needs large number folic acid, which he can get both from food and by taking special vitamin-mineral complexes.

Indications for use of vitamin B9

Folic acid for children is required for megaloblastic or nutritional macrocytic iron deficiency anemia. It is also recommended for children suffering from malabsorption syndrome, in which there is a malabsorption of food in the intestines. The indication for the use of vitamin B9 is a decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood after radiotherapy and due to other factors.

The dosage of folic acid is calculated by the doctor based on the patient’s age and the nature of the disease. Its recommended daily amount for children up to six months is 25 mcg, from six months to a year - 35 mcg, from one year to three years - 50 mcg, from six to ten years - 100 mcg, from ten to fourteen years - 150 mcg, over fourteen years - 200 mg.

It is necessary to take into account that the child receives some part of vitamin B9 from food. This compound is found in breast milk, cereal crops, bananas, nuts, apricots, green vegetables, oatmeal, green vegetables, buckwheat, meat, tuna and salmon. Heat treatment of products has a destructive effect on it.

If a child eats properly and receives all the necessary substances, and the intestinal microflora is normal, then his body fully absorbs folic acid and accumulates it in the liver. In other cases, you need to take it as a supplement to the main diet ( as a separate drug or as part of vitamin-mineral complexes).

Consequences of vitamin B9 deficiency in children

A lack of folic acid in the diet can lead to various abnormalities in the functioning of the body. A child may experience the following symptoms of vitamin deficiency: depressed mood, inflammation in the oral cavity, hair loss. A constant lack of vitamin B9, as a rule, provokes disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system, even slowing down thinking.

Anemia is the most common consequence of folic acid deficiency in children. Iron deficiency anemia It occurs more often than other types of this disease, and there is a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin in the body. There is also folate deficiency anemia, in which hemoglobin increases and the level of red blood cells decreases.

Vitamin B9 must be taken for anemia of any kind as part of complex therapy (that is, simultaneously with other drugs recommended by the doctor). This substance stimulates the processes of hematopoiesis that occur in human body, and, therefore, affects the normal operation of all vital systems.

Prevention of folic acid deficiency

Preparations that contain vitamin B9 contain large amounts of this substance, so they can only be taken as prescribed by a doctor if vitamin deficiency is established. As a rule, one tablet contains 1 thousand mcg of folic acid, which significantly exceeds daily norm of this compound for an adult.

It should be remembered that vitamin B9 is included in many foods. In order for the body to receive it from food, it is necessary to regularly consume buckwheat and oatmeal, as well as other cereals. Do not neglect broccoli, carrots, pumpkin, green lettuce, chicken, pork, liver, beef, egg yolk and red fish.

You can additionally give children special multivitamin complexes that contain folic acid. Thus, Multifort for children is intended for children over four years old. One soluble tablet of this drug contains 190 mcg of vitamin B9, as well as another 10 minerals and 12 vitamins. It is easier to give this remedy to a child than to then treat the consequences of a lack of the most important compound.

Folic acid and autism in children

Studies conducted by American scientists have proven that the use of vitamin B9 during the first month of gestation helps reduce the risk of developing autism in the unborn baby. The conclusions of the experts were published in a scientific publishing house about clinical nutrition and became the subject of active discussion by the public.

The results of the study once again confirmed how important folic acid is for the normal mental development of a child. Doctors recommend taking this substance to women who are planning a pregnancy, as well as to expectant mothers carrying babies. In addition, vitamin B9 is required by all children for growth and development.

Interestingly, Norwegian scientists have found that taking folic acid in late pregnancy can negatively affect the baby's health, as it increases the likelihood of developing asthma. 11.6% of children under 3.5 years of age and 11.8% of five-year-old children whose mothers consumed vitamin B9 during this period developed this allergic pathology.

Thus, vitamin B9 is an essential compound that people of different age groups and pregnant women need, however, it is not recommended to take it in the last stages of gestation, as this may adversely affect the health of the unborn child.

Why do children need folic acid? Vitamin B9, necessary for growth and proper development. Ensures the functioning of the hematopoietic system, is involved in DNA synthesis, and is beneficial for the brain. It is important for children under three years of age to receive it in the required quantity. Older children need it to maintain immunity.

Even at the stage of intrauterine growth, the fetus needs a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals. Doctors recommend starting before conception and continuing during pregnancy. A lack of vitamin B9 leads to developmental pathologies, in particular to neural tube defects of the fetus. Every expectant mother takes vitamins recommended by doctors, as a result of which she makes a significant contribution to the birth of a healthy baby.

For infants, B9 is necessary for the proper functioning of the hematopoietic system. Its deficiency during this period of life affects the bone marrow, the processes of creating blood cells slow down, which can lead to anemia. A newborn receives all the necessary substances from breast milk, so doctors recommend additional vitamin B9 for nursing mothers.

If breastfeeding is not possible, your pediatrician will recommend formula fortified with vitamin B9.

After a year, intensive growth of the body continues. During this period of life, vitamin B9 ensures the division and growth of new cells, affects the speed of thinking and the assimilation of new information. In kindergarten and at school, children learn about the world around them, therefore, under the age of 14, it is necessary to include in the diet foods rich in B vitamins (citrus fruits, legumes, chicken meat, cereals, dairy and fermented milk products).

For premature babies and children up to one year old

A lack of vitamin B9 causes a serious disease - macrocytic anemia. Pediatricians pay close attention to the treatment of anemia in premature infants. If a baby is born prematurely, some of its systems must mature, and for this the body needs oxygen. When there is not enough oxygen in the blood, physical and mental development is delayed.

In children with low body weight, blood levels are often lower than normal. Doctors explain this by the immaturity of the hematopoietic system. There is no special treatment for anemia in premature babies. Provided that the hemoglobin level is not significantly reduced and all other tests are normal, the body copes with this pathology on its own.

Sometimes a severe form of anemia develops due to a lack of vitamin B9 and iron. Depending on the characteristics of the course of the disease, the doctor may recommend a separate dose of the vitamin for premature babies. It is important to know the symptoms of anemia and pay attention to them in time so that the baby grows up healthy. Children under one year of age exhibit the following symptoms of anemia:

• Paleness of the skin;
• Sluggish breastfeeding;
• Loss of appetite;
• Fatigue;
• Low weight gain;
• Excessive tearfulness, irritability;
• Apathy, lack of interest in exploring the world;
• With severe and prolonged vitamin deficiency, mouth ulcers may form.

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Sometimes doctors prescribe vitamin B9 in combination with therapy to treat intestinal dysbiosis. The fact is that in children under one year of age, the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract is just being formed; under certain external influences (severe stress, taking antibiotics), the fragile mechanism can be disrupted. Vitamin B9 for children has a positive effect on the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines.

If the diagnosis of dysbiosis is confirmed by tests, B vitamins are prescribed in combination with prebiotics.

Instructions for use

For treatment and prevention, vitamin B9 is available in tablet form. One tablet contains 1 mg of folic acid. For children under one year old, the tablet should be crushed, the resulting powder should be diluted with a few drops of water and given using a pipette or syringe without a needle immediately before feeding. Older children take the tablet with water on their own.

Dosage

The dosage of the drug depends on the baby’s age, dietary habits, course of the disease and other factors. The instructions for the drug contain information on doses, but on average the recommendations are as follows (the amount of vitamin per day is indicated):

• For premature babies and infants up to one year old, the daily dose is 10–40 mcg;
• Children from one to three years old are prescribed a dosage of 40 to 60 mcg;
• For children from three to six years old, the dosage is up to 75 mcg;
• Children from six to ten years old will need from 75 to 100 mcg;
• For children from ten to fourteen years old, the dosage is up to 150 mcg.

Remember that only a doctor can prescribe the drug and dose! The doctor will also indicate the duration of the course. Despite the relative safety of the drug, it can be taken for up to 30 days.

Preparations with vitamin B9

Among the most popular drugs, it is worth highlighting Vita Mishki chewing marmalade. However, parents should not choose a drug for their child on their own; only a doctor can give recommendations for use.

• It is also interesting to read:

Sometimes the stated dosage is higher than the recommended one. The synthetic form of vitamin B9 is difficult to absorb. Excessive amounts of the substance are excreted unchanged from the body by the kidneys. Overdose is extremely rare. But it is not recommended to exceed the prescribed dose. Please note that the instructions for use of the drug contain information about side effects, if they occur, you should stop taking vitamins.

Folic acid belongs to the B vitamins (vitamin B9) and is very often prescribed to expectant mothers: both women who are just planning a pregnancy and those who are already carrying a baby. This is due to the ability of such a vitamin compound to protect the embryo from harmful effects, as well as to positively influence the maturation and function of the placenta.

However, in some cases, folic acid is also prescribed to children. It is included in many multivitamin supplements, but is also available separately - in the form of a drug, also called “Folic acid”. Before giving this medicine to a child, you need to find out how it acts on the child’s body and in what cases it is used in children.

Release form and composition

All drugs whose main ingredient is folic acid are available only in solid form. Often these are round tablets yellow. Some manufacturers have them covered film-coated. Sometimes there is a mark on one of the surfaces of the tablet. “Folic acid” is sold both in blisters and in jars. The number of tablets in one package is most often 50 pieces, but it can be smaller (10, 20, 25, 30 and 40 tablets) and larger (75 or 100 tablets).

The dosage of folic acid in one tablet can be:

• 400 mcg;
• 1 mg;
• 5 mg.

The lowest dose of the vitamin is contained in a preparation from Valenta Pharmaceuticals, called “9 months folic acid.” Auxiliary ingredients different manufacturers differ and may include lactose, copovidone, stearic acid, sucrose, potato starch, MCC and other substances.

Operating principle

The benefit of vitamin B9 lies in its participation in metabolism and the formation of blood cells. Folic acid is very important for various processes in the human body and for normal function different organs. Once in the human body, such a vitamin becomes tetrahydrofolic acid, which participates in metabolic reactions in the form of a coenzyme.

It is needed for hematopoiesis, as it ensures the normal maturation of red blood cells and activates erythropoiesis. Without enough folic acid, normoblast formation is impaired, causing larger cells called macrocytes to appear in the blood.

In addition, such a coenzyme takes part in the synthesis nucleic acids(which is important for the formation of RNA and DNA) and some amino acids. Folic acid is no less important for choline metabolism and iron absorption.

The active substance of the tablets is absorbed in the intestines in almost the full dose and after 30–60 minutes is found in the bloodstream in maximum concentration. Metabolic changes folic acid passes through the intestines and liver, and excretion occurs in the urine.

Indications

“Folic acid” is prescribed when a deficiency of vitamin B9 is detected in the body or to prevent its deficiency, the reason for which may be:

• increased need for vitamins: when carrying a child, during active growth, with anemia, skin diseases, and so on;
• insufficient amount of folic acid in food, for example, with an unbalanced diet;
• impaired absorption of the vitamin in the intestine: with celiac disease, dysbacteriosis, enteritis, malabsorption syndrome, sprue and other diseases.

Symptoms that occur with folic acid deficiency include pale skin, weakness, growth retardation, restless sleep, emotional instability, poor appetite, the appearance of stomatitis, fatigue and other ailments.

Vitamin deficiency increases gradually and, if not eliminated in time, can cause serious disorders.

A child's folic acid requirements depend on age:

• up to one year old, the baby should receive it daily in the amount of 25 mcg;
• a one-year-old toddler and a 2-year-old child require 50 mcg of this vitamin per day;
• Children 3–6 years old need 75 mcg of folic acid daily;
• child school age(7–10 years) should receive this vitamin in daily dosage 100 mcg;
• in adolescence, requirements increase to 200 mcg per day.

As you can see, these dosages are much lower than the content of the vitamin in tablets, so children are prescribed this medication less frequently for preventive purposes. Most often in childhood, the drug is used for folate deficiency anemia, and also as part of complex treatment other types of anemia. But in adults (in particular, in women who are carrying a child or breastfeeding it), “Folic acid” is in demand primarily for prevention.

Studies have confirmed that taking pills during pregnancy and breastfeeding helps:

• avoid miscarriage;
• reduce the risk of pathologies of the nervous system in the baby;
• prevent placental abruption;
• reduce the likelihood of developing gestosis;
• prevent anemia in a premature baby.

Newborns get enough folic acid from their mother's milk. If the baby receives formula, was born prematurely, or has some kind of intestinal disease, then the doctor should tell you how to prevent the development of hypovitaminosis through nutritional correction or vitamin supplements.

At what age is it allowed?

Since “Folic acid” is presented only in tablet form, it is prescribed to children over 3 years of age, because such patients usually swallow the tablet without difficulty.

Contraindications

Besides age restrictions, the use of “Folic acid” has several other contraindications. First of all, this is hypersensitivity to vitamin B9 or any of the additional substances in the tablets. Since most drugs contain lactose or sucrose, the medication is not prescribed for hereditary diseases, in which carbohydrate metabolism is impaired.

Give folic acid to patients with malignant tumors need to be done with caution. It is also not recommended to take this vitamin without the supervision of a doctor if there is a lack of cobalamin and the development of B12-deficiency anemia. In this situation, folic acid may improve blood test results, but will hide neurological problems.

For this reason, if erythropenia, neutropenia, low hemoglobin or changes in other indicators of a general blood test are detected, you must first undergo additional examinations and only after that take “Folic acid” if tests confirm that it is really necessary.

Side effects

Some children react to the medication with itching, erythema, nausea, bloating, or skin rash. In such a situation, the medication should be stopped. If you take the pills for too long, it can lead to hypovitaminosis B12.

How and when to give the drug?

According to the instructions for use, the tablets are taken after meals and washed down clean water. The dosage is prescribed individually, because it depends on the reason for using “Folic acid” and on the age of the child. Sometimes treatment begins with more high dosages, and then adjust them taking into account the reaction of the child’s body. The duration of use should be determined by the doctor, taking into account the diagnosis and positive dynamics, but tablets are usually not taken for longer than 30 days in a row.

If the dose prescribed to a small patient is less than 500 mcg (half a tablet), then it will be difficult to divide the drug into the necessary pieces. In such a situation, a solution is prepared from the medicine using uncoated tablets. To prepare it, take 25 ml of non-hot boiled water and 1/4 tablet, which corresponds to 250 mcg of folic acid.

In 1 ml of the resulting solution there will be 10 mcg of a vitamin compound, which allows you to give the baby the required amount of medicine. Having given the medicine to the child, the remaining solution should be poured out, and the next day a new one should be prepared from a different tablet.

Overdose

Vitamin B9, like other B vitamins, is considered water soluble. This means that it does not accumulate in the body if it comes in a slight excess, but is simply excreted in the urine. However, with a very significant excess of the dose, the appearance of negative symptoms from the central nervous system and digestive tract (nausea, flatulence, poor sleep, nervous excitement and more).

Interaction with other drugs

The absorption of “Folic acid” worsens when combined with certain antibiotics: tetracycline, neomycin, chloramphenicol and others. Treatment with anticonvulsants increases the need for vitamin B9, and antacids and cholestyramine reduce the absorption of the drug in the intestine. The effect of taking Folic Acid will be lower if Methotrexate, Trimethoprim and similar medications are prescribed at the same time.

Terms of sale

The tablets are sold without a prescription and are available in all pharmacies, and their price depends on the packaging and manufacturer. On average, 50 tablets of 1 mg each can be purchased for 30 rubles.

Storage conditions

It is recommended to keep the medication at home at temperatures up to +25 degrees. For storage, a dry place hidden from children is best suited. The shelf life of "Folic acid" is usually 3 years.

Long flight with a child

During a long flight, the parents' task is to direct the child's energy in a peaceful direction so as not to disturb other passengers. To keep your baby occupied in the air, take on board 3-4 small, but definitely new toys - this way your baby will spend time exploring them. Another good option- buy a ready-made creativity kit with a specific task that can be completed during the flight.

For some reason, folic acid receives undeservedly little attention. But it is this vitamin that every child needs literally from the first weeks of conception. What is the daily requirement of folic acid for children? What foods provide it? And what are the consequences of its lack?

The role of folic acid

We all need folic acid for normal operation central nervous system, heart, hematopoietic processes and... great mood. Children of the first years of life need it most and adolescence, especially if you are underweight or anemic. But first things first.

Folic acid is vitamin B9, which is involved in protein metabolism, which is extremely important for rapidly growing tissues. After all, without proteins, growth stops, which means the child cannot develop normally. Folic acid is desperately needed by the baby already in the first weeks of intrauterine life. With its deficiency, severe changes in the central nervous system can occur, such as underdevelopment of the brain and cerebral hernias. And in the future, vitamin B9 helps proper development placenta, through which the fetus receives nutrients and oxygen.

After birth, folic acid is necessary for the child not only to regulate growth processes, but also to support the nervous system. Not long ago, scientists found that even a bad or lethargic mood is very often associated with low level B9 in the body, after which it was dubbed the “vitamin of joy.” Of course, the child’s emotional well-being cannot depend entirely on the amount of folic acid received, but this factor should not be discounted either.

Daily value B9

The daily requirement of folic acid cannot be called high, although it changes significantly as the child grows older:

• From 1 to 3 years - 70 mcg;
• From 4 to 6 years - 100 mcg;
• From 7 to 10 years - 150 mcg;
• From 11 to 14 years - 200 mcg;
• From 14 years - 250 - 300 mcg.

Folate deficiency

Folic acid deficiency can lead to very sad consequences. Ailments that are also symptoms of vitamin deficiency in children include inflammation in the mouth, hair loss and constantly depressed mood. Also, a lack of B9 over time can result in disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system, including inhibited thinking.

But the most common consequence of folic acid deficiency in the body is anemia. Children quite often have anemia of various origins - mainly iron deficiency, which is characterized by low hemoglobin. But folate deficiency anemia also occurs, when there is a high hemoglobin with a simultaneous decrease in the number of red blood cells. This is directly related to the lack of B9, which impairs hematopoiesis and prevents red blood cells from maturing completely. As a result, immature red blood cells enter the blood, which cannot cope with their responsibility to deliver oxygen to organs and tissues. It is important that in case of anemia of any type, the child is prescribed folic acid as part of complex therapy, since it stimulates all hematopoietic processes.

Prevention of folic acid deficiency

Folic acid is found in a wide range of foods. Preparations containing folic acid are prescribed to children quite rarely and even with established vitamin deficiency, since they have a fairly large dosage. One tablet, on average, contains 1000 mcg, which is several times the daily intake of an adult. However, we must not forget that vitamin B9 is found in a wide range of foods. Therefore, to prevent folic acid deficiency, it is better to give a child multivitamin complexes that contain B9. Thus, the drug Multifort for children for children from 4 years old in one effervescent tablet contains 190 mcg of folic acid, plus moderate doses of 12 more vitamins and 10 minerals.

Speaking about foods rich in folic acid, first of all, it should be noted cow's milk. A child who has left infancy must receive it daily in its pure form, or at least as a basis for cereals, so as not to encounter a B9 deficiency. By the way, folic acid is also found in some cereals - mainly buckwheat and oatmeal. Also champions in vitamin B9 content are a group of vegetables: green lettuce, broccoli, carrots, pumpkin. Don't forget about egg yolk, chicken, pork, beef, liver and red fish. Provided that the listed products regularly appear on the children's table, the child should not have problems with being saturated with folic acid.