Folic acid - the value is hard to overestimate

Acceptance of various vitamin supplements is an integral part of human health. This is particularly important in those periods of life when a person is deficient in vitamins and minerals (for example, pregnancy, diet, during illness and other conditions). Folic acid is a B vitamins B vitamins: the body useful helpers   (this vitamin B9). As the drug has a list of indications is used not only for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.

The pharmacological action of the drug

In the body of man, folic acid is completely absorbed in the digestive tract (mainly the upper sections of the small intestine). Intestinal microflora has the ability to synthesize the vitamin itself. After absorption of the active converts to the acid metabolite (tetrahydrofolic acid) which is a coenzyme of the metabolic processes that take place in the body. Participates in the process of hematopoiesis (affects the formation and maturation normoblasts megaloblasts, has a stimulating effect on erythropoiesis), it is an important component in the synthesis of amino acids.

In the process of transformation of the formation of metabolites of folic acid that the kidneys. If a person has taken the drug dose that is many times greater than the recommended daily dose, the drug is excreted unchanged. If there are violations of absorption in the intestine, it can affect the absorption of folic acid.

The state of intestinal microflora depends on the process of developing intestinal folate. It is therefore recommended to make preparations based on lactic acid bacteria in order to restore normal intestinal flora and strengthen the development of folic acid.

When it comes to the appointment of a medicament for therapeutic purposes, the main reading is the state that are related to the lack of vitamin B9 (vitamin deficiency or vitamin deficiencies). Folic acid deficiency is observed under the following conditions:

• various types of anemia (megaloblastic, macrocytic, hemolytic anemia)
• unbalanced, poor diet (diet, malnutrition or parenteral nutrition)
• digestive disorders (diseases of the hepatobiliary system, liver failure, alcoholic liver disease, malabsorption)
• the state of "chronic stress"
• Prolonged exposure of the patient on hemodialysis
• pregnancy and the early postpartum period, lactation
• in pediatric practice at a low birth weight children and children with feeding goat milk or formula, unbalanced composition of nutrients

The need for use during pregnancy

In the process of planning pregnancy and throughout the first trimester pregnant women should take folic acid. This is due to the participation of folic acid in the metabolism of essential substances. Thus, the biosynthetic processes that are responsible for the doubling of nucleic acids occur in the direct participation of vitamin B9. These processes provide the body's normal processes of cell growth and division. Process tab organs and systems of the body is most intensive in the first trimester of pregnancy, and these processes directly affects folic acid. Those most susceptible to the influence of the cells of the developing nervous system of the fetus. The cells are actively dividing, to the formation of the nervous system was properly it is necessary that a woman's body content of vitamin B9 is sufficient.

The severity of defects is different, which is determined by how much the state deficit is expressed in the body content of folic acid. A child may be born with encephalocele, malformations as cleft lip and other vices. The extreme severity can be called a flaw in the form of anencephaly, when there is no brain. If a woman starts taking folic acid before pregnancy in advance, it will help prevent the formation of such grave defects that may not be compatible with life.

Normal levels of vitamin B9 in pregnant women also affects the mental development of the child. Since the processes tab organs and systems actively proceed during the first months of pregnancy (it is the first four weeks of development) should be advised to start taking the drug for several months before the planned pregnancy. Women should start taking the drug for two or three months before the expected date of conception Conception, ovarian cycle, fertilization and genetics of a child . The preventive value of this drug is reduced in many if pregnant begins to take its already after will be formed the main organs and systems.

It is proved that in 75% of cases it was possible to avoid the development of neural tube defects if a woman in a timely manner for a few months of taking the drug. Folic acid deficiency negatively affects pregnancy. Pregnancy may be complicated by premature termination, the development of toxicity in the second or third trimester, premature detachment of the placenta. Obstetric complications of pregnancy have the most adverse consequences affect women's reproductive health indicators.

For pregnant women, it is crucial to start taking vitamin B9 and take it throughout the first trimester of pregnancy, as it will prevent the development of anemia folievodefitsitnoy Anemia - when you do not have enough blood . Folate stimulatory manner affect the process of erythropoiesis, when its deficiency therefore decreases the number of erythrocytes, blood cells do not mature and young come from bone marrow. It is a pathological condition manifested by the following symptoms:

• increased nervousness, irritability
• fatigue
• bad feeling
• depression
• decreased appetite

Dosage

If a woman has previously been cases of children born with various pathologies of the nervous system, the prophylactic dose should be increased from 2, 0 to 4, 0 grams per day. The dose should be individualized, taking into account what had been complications in a previous pregnancy, which has a comorbidity. It is therefore recommended before planned pregnancy a complete examination and start taking folic acid in one dose, which is necessary in a particular clinical situation. After pregnancy a woman should not stop taking vitamin B9. Prior to the completion of the first trimester of pregnancy is necessary to drink it continuously on a daily basis. In the future, as a prophylactic great complex multivitamin preparations for pregnant women in which the chosen dose of trace elements and vitamins for the prophylactic administration.

Vitamin B9 does not accumulate in the body, heavily consumed during pregnancy, so the reserves of this vitamin should fill every day with the help of vitamin preparations and food products in which folic acid is found in large quantities .  After giving birth, women should continue taking this vitamin .  During breastfeeding prophylactic dose of folic acid should be a day to 300 micrograms .  This will help to avoid the development of a child's negative consequences of vitamin deficiency .  You can encounter a situation where a pregnant woman refuses to receive any medication and complex vitamins .  It is necessary to explain to the woman that for the purpose of any medication, there are certain indications .  Folic acid is one of those drugs that need to be taken during pregnancy to pregnancy proceeded safely to healthy baby .  For information about the medication can get pregnant, not only during the visit to the gynecologist, as well as school attendance mothers .

In the planning period of pregnancy vitamin B9 is needed as to the future pope. Folic acid has a positive effect on the process of spermatogenesis, so throughout the period of preparation for pregnancy man should be given a vitamin preparation. The dose for man may be somewhat less than for women. The birth of a healthy child depends on a responsible attitude to the upcoming couple of pregnancy.