Does folic acid increase hemoglobin at low levels?

It is well known that iron is needed to increase hemoglobin levels in the blood. It is this metal in the form of a trace element that is used by the body to produce the same hemoglobin.

However, a whole range of trace elements is needed for the absorption of iron. Among them is folic acid (aka vitamin B ₉ ) that confirmed by research . That is why it is prescribed in the form of multivitamin complexes during pregnancy (folic acid is also involved in the hormonal system), as well as in newborns (with low hemoglobin).

And exactly how much vitamin B is needed by the body ₉ to use it to quickly increase hemoglobin? Which foods contain the most folic acid? And what is the relationship between folate intake and hemoglobin levels?

The effect of vitamin B ₉  for hemoglobin

Medically speaking, folic acid increases the bioavailability of iron. That is, it is necessary to create protein combinations with ferum, which are subsequently they are used by the hematopoietic system in the formation of shaped bodies (platelets, erythrocytes, leukocytes, hemoglobin and so on).

Along with this vitamin B ₉ participates in the following physiological processes of the human body:

1. Formation of new cells (including bone tissue);
2. Regulation of hemoglobin levels;
3. Synthesis of a wide range of amino acids (which is also indirectly used by the hematopoietic system);
4. Metabolic processes of the liver (including the synthesis of bile and its subsequent transportation to the gastrointestinal tract-
5. Intestinal tract).

Folic acid is produced in small amounts in the human intestine. Amino acids and some groups of phytoncides, which the body receives from fresh vegetables and fruits, contribute to this.

It is also interesting that with a healthy intestinal microflora, a person produces most of the folic acid independently. But with pathological (where pathogenic bacteria exceed), it is practically not produced.

Causes of scarcity

The main causes of folic acid deficiency in the human body are:

1. Pathological processes of the gastrointestinal tract (they are often caused by alcoholism, intoxication);
2. Alcohol abuse ( ethanol reduces hemoglobin and destroys the structure of folic acid);
3. Increased body need for folic acid (occurs mainly during pregnancy and hormonal disorders);
4. Impaired vitamin B intake ₉ by the body (occurs in many diseases, including celiac disease, as well as vitamin D deficiency).

Contribute to an excessively low level of folic acid in the body and the absence of plant products in the diet (from which the body mainly receives B-group vitamins). Accordingly, this problem is common among those whose diet mainly consists of food of animal origin.

The microflora is directly involved in the production of folic acid in the intestine. Accordingly, unhealthy intestinal microflora may be another reason for a low level (but it can be caused by the use of medications and congenital pathologies).

Daily allowance

According to the recommendations of WHO (World Health Organization), the daily allowance of folic acid for children and adults is as follows (in micrograms &8212; mcg):

• Up to 6 months – 65;
• Up to 12 months – 80;
• Up to 3 years old – 150;
• Up to 9 years old – 200;
• Up to 13 years old – 300;
• Adults – 400;
• During pregnancy – 600.

The maximum allowable therapeutic daily allowance of vitamin B ₉ - 1000 mcg. Such dosages are prescribed for the treatment of certain diseases. For a healthy adult, this is an excessive amount of vitamin.

There is also a high need for B-group vitamins (including B ₉ ) may occur against the background of cardinal hormonal failures of the body. Most often, this happens in women during puberty.

Content in food

The richest in vitamin B ₉ are the following food products (calculated in micrograms per 100 grams of product):

• Sunflower seeds (225);
• Spinach (up to 200);
• Arugula (98);
• Walnut (76);
• Basil (68);
• Broccoli (63);
• Cilantro (62).

The above products should be consumed fresh or dried (without being exposed to ultraviolet radiation as well – it also destroys the structure of folic acid).

Of animal products in small quantities Vitamin B ₉ is found in red and black caviar . A little less than it is in yellow caviar.

Medical preparations

With a deficiency of folic acid in the body, doctors prescribe a course of the following drugs:

1. Folic acid (in tablet form);
2. Doppel Hertz Active (in tablet form);
3. Alphabet (multivitamin complex);
4. Vitrum (multivitamin complex);
5. Complivit (multivitamins combined with mineral trace elements);
6. Multitabs (multivitamin, also available in a syrup form acceptable for children with a reduced concentration of vitamins).

But as for the dosage, in each case it is calculated individually, based on the current level of hemoglobin in the blood, the physiology of the patient, as well as his traditional diet.

Bioavailability of synthetic vitamins is much lower, rather than those that the body receives along with plant foods. That is why in some of these drugs, the norm of folic acid can reach 1200 micrograms. More detailed information on this can be found in the instructions for a particular drug.

Features of reception for children and infants

In almost 20% of cases, infants are prescribed folic acid because of the low concentration of hemoglobin in the blood. The main reason is the lack of B–group vitamins in the mother during pregnancy.

As a rule, Folic acid is prescribed, and not multivitamin complexes, at the rate of ¼ tablet 2 times a day. If necessary, iron preparations are also prescribed.

At the same time, doctors recommend that young mothers with infants regularly take sun baths (but with caution, since children up to 4 years old have imperfectly protected skin from ultraviolet radiation). This helps the body produce vitamin D, which is necessary for the synthesis of folic acid in the intestine.

Is vitamin B transmitted ₉ with breast milk? Yes, but in very small quantities. Even if a young mother takes about 1000 mcg of folic acid daily, the child will receive a maximum of 30-50 mcg of it (depends on many factors).

Interesting video

Conclusion

In total, folic acid in sufficient quantities helps to increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood, as it improves the bioavailability of iron, that is, it stimulates the process of combining proteins (amino acids) with iron molecules, which are subsequently used in the formation of hemoglobin cells.

However, if a person also has an iron deficiency, then taking only this vitamin will not change the situation, the hemoglobin level will not rise to a sufficient level. The best option is to consult with your doctor, as well as take tests to determine the concentration of trace elements in the blood.