In 1931, researcher Lucy Willis discovered that yeast extract helped improve the condition of pregnant women suffering from anemia. Later, a substance called vitamin B9 was isolated from it.
Several decades ago, another scientist was making progress in the field of agricultural development. He fed the chickens various beneficial substances and found among them one that led to intensive growth in the experimental subjects. It has been identified as chicken growth factor, or vitamin Bc (chicken).
Later, folic acid (and in both cases it was precisely this) became indispensable in health care. Having many useful functions, it is very important for the health of every person. It is recommended to add foods enriched with vitamin B9 to the daily diet, and if necessary, folic acid can also be used in medications.
Foods rich in vitamin B9
Vitamin B9 is mainly found in plant foods, and most of it is found in the green parts of plants and their leaves.
Lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, and cereal sprouts are rich sources of folic acid. It is also found in non-green fruits, cereals, wholemeal flour, legumes, and yeast.
Folic acid is secreted in minimal quantities by intestinal microflora.
Of the animal products that contain folacin, honey is actually the only one.
How to take folic acid tablets correctly?
The dosage of folic acid in tablets is calculated based on the patient’s age and gender, as well as taking into account his state of health. For children, the drug is prescribed in case of deficiency after breastfeeding. So for children under 3 years of age, the required daily intake of the drug corresponds to 70 mcg. In the period from 4 to 6 years it is 0.1 mg. The dosage of the drug is gradually increased. So, to make up for the deficiency, every 3 years another 0.05 mg is added to 0.1 mg, and by the age of 18 the recommended norm reaches 0.3 mg.
The daily dose of folic acid in tablets for women varies from 0.2 to 0.4 mg. The norm of vitamin B9 for men whose body is prone to microelement deficiency is 1 mg. In old age, it is recommended to take 0.4 mg of the drug. Speaking about how many folic acid tablets to take per day, it is worth noting that each of them most often contains approximately 2 daily doses. The concentration of the active substance in them may vary depending on the manufacturer.
Biological role of vitamin B9
Folic acid enables many processes necessary to maintain life.
Functions of vitamin B9:
• Participates in the formation of DNA molecules - the genetic material of cells! That is why folic acid is necessary for children for growth and development, and for adults to prolong youth and improve health. • Actively participates in the processes of formation of the fetal body. Dozens of large international studies have been conducted that have confirmed that the use of vitamin B9 by pregnant women reduces the risk of developing neural tube defects and other defects in children. • Plays a vital role in hematopoiesis. Sometimes the most “invincible” anemias, which are not treated either by the use of iron supplements or by the use of vitamin B12, recede under the influence of folic acid therapy. • Heals the liver, promotes its normal functioning. • Reduces the risk and rate of development of atherosclerosis. • Promotes the production of healthy sperm.
Vitamin B9 (folic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for the synthesis of DNA and some amino acids (glycine, methionine).
Synonyms Russian
Folic acid, folacin, pteriolglutamic acid.
English synonyms
Vitamin B9, vitamin Bc, folic acid, folacin, pteroylglutamic acid.
Research method
Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Determination range: 1.36 - 90.8 nmol/l.
Units
Nmol/L (nanomoles per liter).
What biomaterial can be used for research?
Venous blood.
How to properly prepare for research?
- Do not eat for 2-3 hours before the test; you can drink clean still water.
- Avoid physical and emotional stress 30 minutes before the test.
- Do not smoke for 30 minutes before the test.
General information about the study
B9 is a water-soluble vitamin. It was first isolated from spinach leaves, but 20 years earlier the role of liver and yeast in the treatment of megaloblastic anemia, a condition that develops with B9 deficiency, was established.
Vitamin B9 enters the body with food. It is found in beans, parsley, lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, liver, kidneys, meat, mushrooms, yeast and is destroyed at high temperatures. Part of vitamin B9 is produced by intestinal microflora in the presence of para-aminobenzoic acid. In addition, the liver and kidneys have reserves of folacin that can compensate for insufficient supply for several months.
B9 is absorbed in the small intestine: biochemical transformations of the vitamin occur in its mucosa with the formation of active forms that can pass into the blood and participate in biochemical reactions. The role of B9 in the body is its ability to transfer a methyl residue (CH3-) - these are reactions during which DNA and some amino acids (glycine, methionine) are formed.
With hypovitaminosis, DNA synthesis slows down and abnormal DNA appears, which easily decays due to the replacement of thymine nucleotides with uridine ones. With this disorder, the cells and tissues that are frequently renewed, such as blood and epithelium, are primarily affected, which determines the symptoms of folic acid hypovitaminosis.
Megaloblastic anemia develops, which is manifested by pallor, weakness, fatigue, and atypical cells are visible in a blood test. In addition, the number of other blood elements - platelets and leukocytes - decreases and their abnormal forms appear.
Another tissue that suffers from a lack of B9 is the epithelium: wounds heal more slowly, the gastrointestinal tract suffers - the production of enzymes necessary for digestion decreases, glossitis (damage to the tongue), esophagitis (damage to the esophagus), gastritis, and enteritis develop.
It is important to distinguish megaloblastic anemia caused by folate deficiency from that caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. In the second case, large doses of folate are able to correct disturbances in the patient’s blood, but neurological complications progress.
In addition to the formation of DNA, vitamin B9 is involved in the production of methionine from homocysteine. With hypovitaminosis, the amount of homocysteine increases, which increases the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases.
A sufficient level of folate in the body reduces the risk of developing cancer and plays a special role during pregnancy, especially in the early stages - intensive cell division occurs in the fetus, future organs and tissues are formed, the correct formation of the neural tube is especially important. Disruption of these processes leads to developmental defects: deviations of the nervous system (anencephaly, hydrocephalus, spina bifida), impaired formation of limbs, and heart defects. In addition, B9 deficiency during pregnancy can cause improper formation of the placenta and even termination of pregnancy.
A person needs 25 mcg of B9 per day, but losses during absorption increase the amount that should be supplied with food to 50 mcg. The need for B9 increases during pregnancy and lactation, as well as with malignant tumors, some types of hemolytic anemia and skin diseases.
It is important to remember that the instability of the vitamin to cooking can lead to its deficiency in food. In addition, the development of hypovitaminosis is likely due to malabsorption - due to the abuse of alcoholic beverages and acidic foods, taking certain medications (barbiturates, phenytoin), and malabsorption syndrome.
At the same time, an excess of B9 is extremely unlikely, since, being water-soluble, the vitamin is excreted in the urine.
What is the research used for?
- To find out whether B9 deficiency is the cause of megoloblastic anemia, glossitis, esophagitis, atrophic gastritis, enteritis.
- For the differential diagnosis of megaloblastic anemia caused by hypovitaminosis B9 and B12.
- To assess the level of vitamin B9 when planning pregnancy or malabsorption syndrome.
- To develop recommendations for nutrition correction.
When is the study scheduled?
- For megoloblastic anemia, glossitis, esophagitis, atrophic gastritis, enteritis.
- As part of a comprehensive assessment of the body’s vitamin profile.
- When it is important to prevent B9 deficiency (during breastfeeding, hemodialysis).
- When planning pregnancy (to prevent congenital malformations, especially of the nervous system).
- For malabsorption syndrome (to diagnose possible vitamin B9).
- When monitoring the effectiveness of treatment of hypovitaminosis.
What do the results mean?
Reference values: 7 - 39.7 nmol/l. Reasons for increasing B9 levels:
- overdose of drugs containing vitamin B9 (multivitamins, mamifol, folic acid, folacin).
Reasons for decreased B9 levels:
- insufficient intake of vitamin from food (fasting, predominant consumption of cooked food),
- poor absorption of B9 in the intestines,
- increased need for vitamin B9 (pregnancy, breastfeeding, hemodialysis, cancer).
What can influence the result?
Before the analysis, it is necessary to take into account the fact that you are taking vitamin B9 medications.
Signs of vitamin B9 deficiency
With a lack of folic acid, the condition of the skin worsens, anemia may develop, various problems in the digestive tract begin to bother us, sometimes bleeding gums appear, and existing chronic diseases are more likely to worsen.
When taking vitamin B9, all these symptoms soon disappear.
In pregnant women, folic acid deficiency manifests itself much more severely and sometimes even catastrophically.
The main symptoms are anemia and developmental defects in children.
Side effects
The development of side effects occurs only when there is a lack or excess of folic acid, when the dosage of the drug is chosen incorrectly or, conversely, it is not absorbed enough, entering the blood in small quantities.
Deficiency causes anemia, and excess leads to a drop in cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) levels. Lack of B12, in turn, leads to neurological complications.
An allergy to folic acid can occur due to individual intolerance to the components in its composition. Serious manifestations of allergies are possible: Quincke's edema, skin rash, anaphylactic shock. When the first signs appear, it is important to take an antihistamine.
Like any other vitamin, folic acid is vital for the proper functioning of our body. But there is no need to panic, trying to detect signs of its deficiency. It is enough to eat right, introducing green vegetables and other foods rich in this important compound into your diet.
Application in cosmetology
Riboflavin is one of the active substances that are widely used in the beauty industry.
Benefits of Vitamin B2 for Skin
With the help of riboflavin, you can maintain external attractiveness for a long time. Cosmetologists call this substance a “skin” vitamin, thanks to which:
- improves complexion;
- acne disappears;
- seborrhea goes away;
- cracks and ulcers on the lips heal;
- a rejuvenating effect is observed.
The beneficial effects on the skin are due to the fact that riboflavin:
- Exhibits antioxidant properties, inhibiting the negative effects of free radicals.
- Stimulates the formation of energy in cells.
- Helps saturate the skin with oxygen and nutrients.
- Regulates the metabolism of fatty acids.
- Participates in the regeneration and renewal of cells, promoting the healing of damaged tissues.
Cosmetics with vitamin B2 are well suited for problem skin. As a result of their use, inflammatory processes stop and irritation is relieved.
Riboflavin-based creams will help mature women renew their facial skin, restoring its former elasticity and firmness.
To achieve the desired effect, it is not necessary to use finished products. You can prepare an effective vitamin remedy yourself. For this purpose you will need liquid riboflavin (in ampoules).
Revitalizing face mask
Ingredients:
- high-fat kefir - 1 tbsp;
- lemon juice - 15 drops;
- vitamin B2 - ½ tsp.
Combine the ingredients and mix until smooth. Apply the mask in a thick layer to cleansed facial skin and leave for at least 15 minutes. After the time has passed, rinse off the product with cold water.
Benefits of riboflavin for hair and nails
Vitamin B2 has a beneficial effect on the scalp, normalizing the fat balance on its surface. Riboflavin:
- strengthens the hair structure;
- makes them shiny;
- prevents hair loss;
- promotes growth.
Vitamin B2 prevents delamination and brittleness of the nail plate.
For maximum effect, it is recommended to combine the use of cosmetics with the use of riboflavin-based preparations.
Vitamin B2 deficiency
The lack of a substance in the body affects, first of all, the state of the nervous system and skin. The following symptoms are observed with hypovitaminosis:
- general weakness, lethargy, apathy;
- increased irritability;
- memory impairment;
- sleep disturbance;
- headache;
- low pressure;
- blurred vision;
- photophobia;
- development of conjunctivitis, keratitis, cataracts;
- feeling of weakness and muscle pain;
- pale and dry skin;
- seborrheic dermatitis in the areas of the nose, ears, eyelids;
- the appearance of cracks and ulcers on the lips;
- swelling and hyperemia of the tongue - glossitis;
- prolonged wound healing;
- anemia.
The main reasons that lead to a decrease in riboflavin levels include:
- Lack of dietary sources of vitamin B2.
- Using cooking methods that destroy this component.
- Improper storage of products containing it.
- Diseases of the digestive tract.
- Taking medications that are riboflavin antagonists.
- Alcoholism.
Vitamin B2 deficiency often leads to a deficiency of other water-soluble components. Natural nutritional supplements based on it will help restore the required level of the substance in the body.
Reviews of preparations with vitamin B2
Most consumers who take natural riboflavin supplements report positive changes in their health:
- increased vitality;
- increase in energy potential;
- improvement of brain activity;
- cessation of headaches;
- increased visual acuity, decreased fatigue, redness and tearing of the eyes;
- strengthening the immune system;
- increased hemoglobin;
- reduction of irritability and anxiety;
- improving sleep quality;
- rapid healing of wounds.
After a course of vitamin therapy, women notice pleasant changes in their appearance:
- cleansing the skin from acne;
- improvement of complexion;
- increased turgor;
- strengthening nails;
- stopping hair loss, improving hair growth.
The use of riboflavin in preparations and cosmetics will help maintain health, youth and beauty for a long time.
Main functions
Vitamin B2 is an active substance that supports the functioning of the entire body. Riboflavin:
- It is a necessary link in redox processes, converts other important components (including vitamins B6, D, folic and nicotinic acids) into active forms.
- Promotes the production of red blood cells, which ensure the internal distribution of oxygen.
- Takes part in the production of antibodies necessary to protect the body from infections.
- Ensures coordinated activity of the nervous system.
- Regulates hormonal function.
- Clears the lungs of toxins.
- Neutralizes free radicals, providing an antioxidant effect.
- Protects the retina of the eyes from UV radiation.
- Prevents the development of cataracts.
- Normalizes the flow of bile.
- Improves the absorption of vitamin B6 and iron.
- Regulates metabolic processes.
- Participates in energy exchange.
Vitamin B2 is an essential component in the human body. A deficiency of this substance leads to serious functional disorders.
