Folic acid: how and how much to take

Folic acid (vitamin B9) – one of the most important substances required any woman who decided to get pregnant and give birth. A lack of folic acid in the pregnant woman's body threatens to delay the development of the fetus and increases the risk of congenital malformations. If you consider that folic acid deficiency is observed in nearly 50% of the women surveyed, it is easy to understand that the expectant mother just needs to start taking folic acid even before pregnancy is planned. In this case, the above risks are accordingly reduced.

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Instruction

A few months prior to conception (ideally at least three), and throughout pregnancy, the future mother should take at least 400 mcg of folic acid daily (some sources indicated a higher dosage to 800 mcg is recommended to discuss this with your doctor). Given that the formation of healthy sperm, and as a consequence, the probability of conceiving a healthy baby also directly related to the content of folic acid in the male body, it is highly desirable that the man also started the prophylactic intake of this vitamin not earlier than three months prior to conception. The dosage is individual, usually at least 400 micrograms per day.

It should be emphasized: folic acid must be taken for all pregnant women, irrespective of their financial position and, accordingly, the nature of power. If the prediction of adverse pregnancy (for example, women have already a child was born with defects caused by insufficient folic acid in the mother's body), the dosage must increase (also at the prescription, up to 4 mg per day). Should not be afraid of excess folic acid in the body, because it will echo through the kidneys in a very short time (within several hours).

The mechanism of action of folic acid is that it together with the cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) stimulates the formation of red blood cells. If folic acid is present in the body in insufficient quantities, breaks down the process of normal hematopoiesis. That is, immature forms of red blood cells can't turn into a Mature. Folic acid is also used in the treatment of various types anemias, leukopenia (decrease in white cells in the blood).

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