Currently, a huge number of people have a lack of folic acid, but in most cases they do not even know about it. But folic acid (or, in another way, vitamin B9) is a very necessary element for the body, it is vitally important vitamin. Particularly expressed shortage of this vitamin in children and women during pregnancy.
The lack of vitamin B9 very often flows imperceptibly. However, over time, a person becomes irritable, fatigue increases and appetite decreases, then vomiting, diarrhea may occur, and eventually hair falls out, and sores form in the mouth. Folic acid is a participant of many processes occurring in the body: the formation of erythrocytes, the functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous and immune systems, metabolic processes, the work of the gastrointestinal tract. With a severe deficiency of folic acid, megaloblastic anemia develops, which sometimes leads to death.
Vitamin B9 dissolves in water, the human body is not synthesized, comes with food, and can also be produced by microorganisms in the large intestine.
Functions of Vitamin B9
The properties of folic acid are many, so it is vital:
- participates in the assimilation, transport and decay of proteins;
- improves physical and mental performance;
- participates in metabolic processes;
- is indispensable in the synthesis of RNA and DNA, which are responsible for the storage and transmission of hereditary traits;
- promotes the assimilation of amino acids and sugar;
- prevents the formation of tumors;
- has an immune effect;
- participates in the process of formation of blood cells (leukocytes, erythrocytes and platelets);
- prevents the development of atherosclerosis;
- accelerates regenerating (healing) processes;
- normalizes the work of the digestive tract;
- contributes to an increase in milk production.
During pregnancy, to have the necessary amount of vitamin is doubly important, since vitamin B9 is involved not only in the formation and development of the neural tube of the fetus, but also contributes to the normal functioning of the placenta.
Foods that contain folic acid
Folic acid can be found in various foods: these are products of both plant and animal origin.
The first ones are: leafy vegetables (lettuce, parsley, green onions, spinach), beans (green peas, beans), some cereals (oat and buckwheat), bran, bananas, carrots, pumpkin, yeast, nuts, apricots, oranges, mushrooms .
In the list of products of animal origin: chicken, liver, fish (salmon, tuna), lamb, milk, beef, cheese, eggs.
Lack of folic acid during pregnancy
During pregnancy, a lack of vitamin B9 can lead to irreversible effects:
- cerebral hernia;
- miscarriage of pregnancy;
- wolf's palate or hare's lip;
- premature delivery;
- edema of the brain (hydrocephalus);
- placental abruption;
- delay in the mental development of the child;
- spina bifida in the baby;
- stillbirth and spontaneous abortion;
- absence of brain (anencephaly);
At the most pregnant deficiency can be shown in the form:
- Toxicosis;
- pain in the legs;
- depression.
The need for folic acid per day
The adult daily requirement is 400 mcg. For pregnant women, the requirement is two times more - 800 mcg.
Additionally, the intake of vitamin should be started in the case of:
- increased need for folic acid (lactation period, pregnancy, children's age (growth period), taking contraceptives, people with cancer);
- inadequate supply of a substance with food;
- disturbances of the absorption process in the intestine.
Periods of taking vitamin B9 in pregnant women
Ideal option is the situation when a woman starts taking the vitamin for three months before the onset of pregnancy. Pregnant folic acid is prescribed during the period of laying and formation of the neural tube of the fetus, that is, in the first 12-14 weeks. Reception for prevention significantly reduces the likelihood of developing neural tube defects and the appearance of various complications.