Introduction:
Folic acid is also called as folate and are forms of vitamin B9. Folic acid is helpful in precluding and treating low blood levels of homocysteine people who are pregnant/might become pregnant take folic acid to prevent serious birth defects such as spina bifida. Folic acid is also used for numerous other conditions including depression, stroke, decline in memory and thinking skills and many others.
Folic acid has been added to :
Added folic acid | Naturally found |
Cold cereals | Leafy vegetables |
Flours | Okra asparagus |
Breads | Fruits like oranges, lemons and grapefruit |
pasta | Beans |
cookies | Yeast |
crackers | mushrooms |
Bakery items | Animal liver and kidney |
Folic acid is also available as a supplement, and is frequently used in combination with other B vitamins.
Uses:
How to consume:
You can take folic acid with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. If you’re taking folic acid as a liquid, it will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use kitchen spoon to measure the right amount
Duration of two doses:
To prevent anaemia, the usual dose for adults and children aged 12 years and over is 5mg taken every 1 to 7 days. The dose may vary depending on your age, diet and any other health conditions you have. For children under 12, the doctor will use your child’s age or weight to work out the right dose.
Side effects:
It is likely safe for the most people to take folic acid in doses of no more than 1mg daily. Doses higher than 1mg daily may be unsafe.
Stomach upset
Nausea
Diarrhea
Irritability
Confusion
Behaviour changes
Skin reaction
Seizures
Drug mechanism:
Pharmacokinetics | Pharmacodynamics |
Folic acid is rapidly absorbed from the small intestine, with peak levels reached within 1 hour. It is primarily stored in the liver and is highly binding to plasma protein. Folic acid is metabolized in the liver into dihydrofolate and tetrahydrofolate cofactors. After an oral dose, only a trace amount appears in urine, with up to 90% recovered. It is also excreted in feces and milk of lactating mothers. | Folic acid, a B-complex vitamin found in liver, kidney, yeast, and leafy vegetables, is essential for DNA and RNA synthesis. It is the precursor of tetrahydrofolic acid, which is involved in transformylation reactions. Folic acid deficiency can lead to megaloblast formation and anemias. It is crucial during rapid cell division phases and plays a protective role in cancer development. Folic acid is reduced by enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, disrupted by anti-metabolite therapies like Methotrexate. Folate deficiency is indicated by serum levels below 5 ng/mL, while megaloblastic anemia is usually caused by low levels. |
Allergic reactions:
People with allergies might have a reaction of folic acid supplements. Warning signs of allergic reaction include
skin rash
itching
redness
difficulty breathing
excess folic acid is excreted in urine
Safety measures:
When to see doctor :
Folic acid may be not suitable for some people. To make sure its safe for you, tell your doctor before starting to take folic acid if you
Have ever had an allergic reaction to folate
Have low vitamin B12 levels (vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia) or pernicious anaemia.
Have cancer
Kidney disease
Stent in your heart
Available dosage form :
Take medicines are per prescribed by your doctor.
Pediatric dose/vitamin supplementation
RDA:
0 – 6 months – 65mcg orally daily
1 – 3 years – take 150 mcg orally daily
4 – 8 years – 200 mcg orally daily
9 – 13 years – 300mcg orally daily
14 and older – 400 mcg orally daily
Adult dose/supplementation/pregnancy/lactation:
RDA:
400mcg daily, orally, intramuscularly, IV or subcutaneously \
Pregnancy – 600mcg daily
Lactation – 500 mcg daily
Important note:
There is some concern that taking too much folic acid for a long time might cause serious effects.
CDC urges all women of reproductive age to take 400 mcg of folic acid in each day.
Remember folic acid prevents treats low levels of folate (vitamin B9) in your body.
Before taking this medicine make sure you tell your doctor about your allergic reactions.
Available brands:
Reference:
Kamen B: Folate and antifolate pharmacology. Semin Oncol. 1997 Oct;24(5 Suppl 18):S18-30-S18-39. [Article]
Fenech M, Aitken C, Rinaldi J: Folate, vitamin B12, homocysteine status and DNA damage in young Australian adults. Carcinogenesis. 1998 Jul;19(7):1163-71. [Article]
Zittoun J: [Anemias due to disorder of folate, vitamin B12 and transcobalamin metabolism]. Rev Prat. 1993 Jun 1;43(11):1358-63. [Article]
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