Not all vitamin complexes are extremely beneficial. Many drugs can lead to an overabundance of certain substances. Therefore, before using medicines, you should consult a doctor for advice.
In recent years, folic acid has received particular attention . The benefits and harms of its use will be presented in the article. You will also learn how to use it. Separately, it is necessary to mention the opinion of doctors about this tool.
General description of the drug: composition
The drug "Folic acid" contains several components. It contains vitamin B9. Also, the manufacturer can add additional components, which usually do not have a significant effect on the human body.
The cost of the drug depends on the production and number of tablets. The dosage also matters, because in one tablet may contain 400, 800 or 1000 μg of the active substance. The average cost of the drug is in the range of up to one hundred rubles.
Folic acid: benefits and harms
The positive and negative effects of this substance are still debated. A few decades ago, it was decided to enrich food with water-soluble folate.
Folic acid plays an important role in the human body. She is involved in the metabolism of amino acids, the synthesis of nucleic acids. This component is indispensable in the formation of new cells, hematopoiesis. Folic acid helps to normalize the emotional background. Also, the substance is necessary for the immune and cardiac systems.
The benefits and harms of folic acid have been compared by scientists. Professors have concluded that vitamin B9 can almost never do much harm. However, its overabundance still entails unpleasant consequences. Among them are problems such as the formation of kidney stones, tumors in the mammary glands, and so on.
Indications for use
In what cases is it necessary to take tablets with the trade name Folic Acid? Benefits and harm to the patient should be pre-evaluated by a doctor. Therefore, in order not to encounter unpleasant reactions or not to get an excess of the active ingredient, it is necessary to consult a doctor. The instructions indicate that vitamin B9 is prescribed for its lack in the body. It can manifest itself with the following symptoms:
- megaloblastic anemia;
- leukopenia;
- chronic gastroenteritis;
- intestinal tuberculosis;
- anxiety and a constant sense of fear;
- digestion problems;
- early gray hair or hair loss and so on.
For women
Quite often, doctors prescribe during pregnancy such means as folic acid. The benefits and harms for women from its use also cause controversy. Vitamin B9 is necessary for the normal development of the embryo. Without its use, the likelihood of developing neural tube defects is high. Also, the drug favorably affects the formation of the whole organism. It is important to take enough folic acid for the proper development of the brain of the embryo.
What then is the harm of a substance? The fact is that an excess of vitamin B9 negatively affects breast diseases. If a woman has a tumor in this place, then her condition can greatly worsen.
Contraindications to the use of the drug and adverse reactions
What benefit and harm to humans from Folic Acid, you already know. If you take the medicine as prescribed by a specialist in accordance with the indicated dosages, then you will get an exclusively positive effect. Vitamin B9 is never prescribed to patients with hypersensitivity to it. It is also worth paying attention to additional components that may differ from individual manufacturers.
Among adverse reactions, the instruction indicates allergy. It can be mild or severe: swelling, rash, itching, and so on. There is evidence that the use of the drug in some people caused fever. If you have unpleasant manifestations after the start of therapy, then you should definitely consult a doctor.
Method of use
Before using the medication, be sure to study the annotation. Check out the benefits and harms of folic acid tablets. For men and non-pregnant women, the drug is prescribed at a dose of 400 mcg. During the period of gestation, the need for folic acid increases. Expectant mothers are advised to consume up to six hundred micrograms of folate.
For children, the medication is prescribed in a lower dosage. It all depends on the age and body weight of the child. The duration of therapy is also determined individually. You need to take the tablets inside with a glass of water. If possible, take the medicine during the meal.
What do the doctors say?
Gynecologists claim that the use of the drug "Folic acid" is achieved, and they can not be harmed during pregnancy. Doctors explain their statement as follows. During the bearing of a child, the woman's diet changes. Often, expectant mothers are disgusted with those foods that have vitamin B9. These are meat, mushrooms, root vegetables, greens. This causes a lack of folic acid in the body. Compounded by the fact that the fetus needs this vitamin daily. Therefore, often for pregnant women, the appointment of the drug is done without additional examinations.
Doctors recommend men to take folic acid with increased physical and mental stress. In addition, an additional portion of this vitamin is necessary to reduce fertility.
Older people need folic acid to keep their heart and blood vessels functioning. Tablets are prescribed with intermittent courses. Children are prescribed medication much less often. There must be good reason for this. Most kids get the right amount of folic acid with food.
To summarize
You learned a lot about folic acid. Harm or benefit will be obtained from therapy, depending on the situation and the patient's condition. If there is an excess of vitamin B9 in the body, then taking it can be dangerous. However, this situation is very rare. Most patients lack folic acid. Therefore, its use in the doses described above is advisable.
You can buy folic acid without a prescription in every pharmacy. If you are taking vitamin complexes at the same time, then pay attention to whether there is a described component there, so as not to provoke its overabundance in the body. I wish you good health and well-being!