Folic acid - benefits, rules of intake and risk factors

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We all know about the role of beneficial vitamins and trace elements in the body. For example, almost everyone knows the role of calcium, magnesium, iron and vitamins B6, B12, A, C, D and PP in the body. But what is the function of folic acid, the active ingredient in folate, vitamin B9?

Folates are involved in the synthesis of DNA, which stores information in the cell nucleus. Vitamin B9 is also involved in the synthesis of a special enzyme that reduces the risk of developing malignant tumors.

Folic acid deficiency is mainly noted in people aged 20-45 years, pregnant and lactating women. This condition can lead to megaloblastic anemia (an oncological disease caused by a disorder in the synthesis of DNA) and defects in fetal development.

There are also specific symptoms of vitamin B9 deficiency, such as fever, inflammatory processes, and digestive problems (diarrhea, nausea, anorexia), hyperpigmentation.

Rules of taking folic acid

In 1998, the MIA developed a guideline for the intake of folic acid. According to these data, the dose is as follows:

• Optimal - 400 mcg per day;

• Minimal - 200 mcg;

• In pregnancy - 400 mcg;

• During lactation - 600 mcg.

Attention! Folic acid intake is strictly determined individually. The above doses are averaged.

Folic acid and pregnancy

Folic acid is actively involved in DNA synthesis, this vitamin is also important in cell synthesis. It is therefore recommended to take folic acid when planning a pregnancy and during pregnancy.

An important aspect of taking vitamin B9 when planning a pregnancy is that in the first weeks of pregnancy, the fetal nervous system and brain begin to form. During this time, folic acid is needed for the cells to divide actively. In addition, this substance is involved in the formation of blood, that is, in the formation of the placenta and its stability.

Congenital malformations in the fetus as a result of folic acid deficiency in pregnant women:

• Rabbit lab;

• Hydrocephalus;

• The wolf chooses;

• Defect of the neural tube;

• Disorders of the child's mental and intellectual development.

Premature birth can lead to complications such as miscarriage and miscarriage due to folic acid refusal. According to scientific studies, starting taking folic acid 2-3 months before planning a pregnancy guarantees up to 75% that such cases will not occur.

Postpartum folic acid deficiency also causes postpartum depression, apathy, and general weakness. In addition, vitamin B9 deficiency in the body impairs the quality of breast milk and reduces milk production.

Dosage of folic acid intake during pregnancy and lactation

When planning a pregnancy and during pregnancy, doctors prescribe a dose of folic acid - 400-600 mcg per day. During lactation, the amount of folic acid is set at 600 mcg to support the baby. Folic acid is prescribed in high doses in the following cases:

• Diabetes mellitus va epilepsiya women in position;

• Women with congenital diseases;

• Women who are constantly on medication;

• Women who have given birth with folic acid deficiency.

If a woman is completely healthy, vitamin B9 is prescribed to her as a multivitamin. If folic acid is needed more, it is better to use special preparations that contain vitamin B9. Folic acid is taken before or with meals.

Overdose and contraindications

It is now customary to prescribe 5 mg as a daily dose of folic acid. However, it is not possible to take vitamin B9 at this dose, as a daily dose of 5 mg is a therapeutic dose, ie the amount prescribed in the case of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Pregnant women should take this vitamin only in prophylactic doses - the maximum daily dose is 1 mg. Overdose of folic acid can lead to anemia, increased motility, renal dysfunction, and gastrointestinal problems.

Contraindications to the use of folic acid drugs are hypersensitivity or intolerance to the drug. Hypersensitivity to folic acid may cause rash, itching, redness of the skin, and bronchospasm after taking the drug. In such cases, the drug should be discontinued and a doctor should be consulted.

Folic acid and cancer: official studies

Many sources suggest that folic acid can be used to treat cancer. However, scientists are divided on the issue: some scientists say that folic acid causes poor quality tumors, while others say that folic acid stops the growth of tumors.

Assessing the likelihood of developing cancer while taking folic acid

The 2013 report in The Lncet on folic acid risk for cancer is as follows:

The study's author, Robert Clark of Oxford University, says:

"The study concludes that taking folic acid for 5 years through natural foods or in the form of special drugs does not increase the risk of cancer."

About 50 volunteers participated in the study. They were divided into two groups: the first group was given folic acid supplements, and the second group was given a placebo effect, a "false" folic acid intake. 000% (2) of the folic acid group received cancer, and 7,7% (1904) of the placebo-affected group had human cancer. The development of cancer was not observed even in people receiving high doses of folic acid (7,3 mg per day).

The risk of developing folic acid and breast cancer

In January 2014, the results of another study were published. Researchers have studied the risk of developing breast cancer in women who take folic acid. Dr. Yen-In-Kim of the Michael Father Hospital in Canada has found that folic acid has the potential to cause breast cancer. Previous scientists' claims that folic acid slows the growth of tumors have been proven wrong, with experiments performed on rats.

Folic acid and prostate cancer

In March 2009, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published an article on the link between folic acid and prostate cancer. Researchers at the University of Southern California, led by Jane Figueredo, have found that taking folic acid supplements doubles the risk of prostate cancer. The study, which lasted 6 and a half years and involved 643 volunteers, involved men with an average age of 57. All men were divided into 2 groups: 1 group of participants received 1 mg of folic acid per day. Two groups received a placebo effect. During this time, 2 participants developed prostate cancer. The researchers concluded that 34% of the participants in group 1 had a tumor in men, while the rate in group 9,7 was 2%.

Folic acid and thyroid cancer

In 2006, a study by the Catholic University found that folic acid reduced the risk of developing leukoplakia. The study involved 43 patients with leukoplakia.

They took folic acid at 5 mg 3 times a day. The results of the study were published by scientist Giovanni Almador and surprised doctors: 31 patients had regression of leukoplakia - 12 completely recovered, 19 - shrinkage. Based on this result, it can be said that the consumption of folic acid reduces the risk of developing tumors in the neck and head.

Folic acid and colon cancer

Scientists from the American Cancer Society have previously suggested that taking vitamin B9 reduces the risk of developing colon cancer. However, a recent study by Tim Bayers found that excessive intake of folic acid can lead to polyposis of the colon (polyps are a precancerous disease).