Vitamin B (vitamin Bc, vitamin B9) can be synthesized by intestinal microflora. In the body, folic acid is reduced to tetrahydrofolic acid, which is a coenzyme involved in various metabolic processes. Necessary for normal maturation of megaloblasts and formation of normoblasts. Stimulates erythropoiesis, participates in the synthesis of amino acids (including glycine, methionine), nucleic acids, purines, pyrimidines, in the metabolism of choline, histidine. To prevent hypovitaminosis, a balanced diet is most preferable. Foods rich in folic acid are green vegetables (lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, carrots), fresh liver, legumes, beets, eggs, cheese, nuts, cereals.
Folic acid is not used to treat B 12-deficient (pernicious), normocytic and aplastic anemia, as well as anemia refractory to therapy. In pernicious (B 12 deficiency) anemia, folic acid, improving hematological parameters, masks neurological complications. Until pernicious anemia is excluded, the administration of folic acid in doses exceeding 0.1 mg/day is not recommended (with the exception of pregnancy and lactation).
It should be kept in mind that hemodialysis patients require increased amounts of folic acid.
During prophylaxis, antacids should be used 2 hours after taking folic acid, cholestyramine - 4-6 hours before or 1 hour after taking folic acid. It should be borne in mind that antibiotics can distort (provide deliberately underestimated indicators) the results of microbiological assessment of the concentration of folic acid in plasma and erythrocytes. When using large doses of folic acid, as well as therapy for a long period, a decrease in the concentration of vitamin B12 is possible. Directions for use and doses
Use internally after meals.
For folic acid deficiency - 400 mcg (1 tablet) per day.
To prevent the development of neural tube defects in the fetus in the 1st trimester of pregnancy - 400 mcg - 800 mcg (1-2 tablets).