Is folic acid good for children and how to use it? Folic acid for children: instructions for use What is folic acid needed for a newborn.

The need for folic acid (vitamin B9) is expressed in micrograms (mcg), otherwise in thousandths of a milligram. But this does not detract from its importance for the body at all stages. human life: from intrauterine development until old age. Deficiency leads to serious diseases, and in some cases to fatal consequences. This is why it is so important to monitor your child's folic acid needs. Why is this prescribed for children? water soluble vitamin, and in what dosages?

It is found in foods in an inactive form and is called “folate”. Whereas in the composition of vitamin complexes and food additives A synthetic analogue of vitamin B9 is used, which is called “folic acid”. Another term, folacin, applies to both forms.

Deficiency of folic acid in the body leads to hypovitaminosis, which is detected in 80% of cases and is one of the most common pathologies among all. age groups, including in children.

Vitamin deficiency is caused by folate instability in external environment and their significant loss after heat treatment of products. Vitamin B9 deficiency also occurs in diseases of the digestive system, accompanied by impaired absorption of nutrients.

IN childhood the need for folacin increases due to intensive growth, when even the timely intake of daily norms of a substance into the body is not able to compensate for the growing need.

Symptoms of hypovitaminosis (vitamin deficiency) develop gradually, but require mandatory and timely assistance to the child, as they can lead to severe disorders in organism. Folacin deficiency manifests itself:

• pale skin;
• lethargy, weakness;
• growth retardation;
• emotional instability;
• restless sleep;
• problems with the activity of the nervous system;
• increased fatigue;
• loss of appetite;
• stomatitis, gastritis, enteritis.

But don’t rush to run to the pharmacy for a vitamin supplement if you notice any of the listed conditions in your baby. Folic acid should be prescribed to children by a doctor. Why? Because the symptoms of hypovitaminosis are identical for many substances. This is well illustrated by a table compiled based on many years of research by Earl Mindell.

When visiting a doctor, based on a laboratory examination, blood parameters are determined (hemoglobin, the number and shape of red blood cells, as well as the level of folic acid in the blood serum).

Treatment depends on the course and established severity of hypovitaminosis:

• In case of severe deficiency and malabsorption, folic acid is administered intramuscularly.
• To eliminate hypovitaminosis of moderate and mild degree tablets are used successfully.

Proven benefits for children

For anemia

Even in the last century, it was noted that folic acid normalizes hematopoietic processes and eliminates anemia. Antianemic factor (as vitamin B9 was originally called) increases the production of red blood cells - erythrocytes - in the bone marrow.

With anemia caused by folacin deficiency, hematopoietic processes are inhibited. On the background normal level hemoglobin, the number of red blood cells sharply decreases. However, they differ large sizes(megaloblasts), functional immaturity and inability to take up oxygen and deliver it to cells.

Megaloblastic (folate deficiency) anemia often appears in low-weight babies, premature babies, with diseases of the digestive tract and poor feeding. There is only one way to treat such conditions - the administration of folic acid to children.

For autism

The disease manifests itself in the first year of life. Characterized by motor impairment and mental retardation in children. The cause of the disease has not yet been established, but among the factors causing autism, blocking the entry of folic acid into the brain by one’s own antibodies has been identified.

The first studies in this area give timid but encouraging results - the administration of vitamin B9 improves verbal communication in a child and reduces behavioral symptoms of autism.

By the way, when planning a pregnancy, folic acid is recommended to be taken 2-3 months before conception and subsequently, at all stages of pregnancy, as a prophylactic agent that prevents the development of congenital anomalies and developmental delays in children.

Why is folic acid needed?

For premature babies

Babies born prematurely face the impossible task of “maturing” and catching up with their peers in terms of body weight and height. At the same time, develop harmoniously and improve every day, withstand harsh realities (childhood diseases, infections, etc.).

Your own reserves of vitamin B9 will last for 2-4 weeks at most. External intake is possible through breast milk, provided that the mother does not experience a deficiency, or from infant formula fortified with folacin. But absorption occurs extremely poorly in the still fragile, often malfunctioning digestive system.

Why do premature babies need folacin?

• Prevents the development of anemia and improves hematopoietic function.
• In addition to red blood cells, healthy Bone marrow produces monocytes and leukocytes involved in the immune response to pathogenic microorganisms.
• It has a beneficial effect on the intestines, creating conditions for the growth and reproduction of beneficial microflora and, in turn, the independent production of the substance in small quantities.
• Provides not only fast division cells, necessary for active growth, but also a high-quality nucleic acid composition (DNA), which carries information about hereditary characteristics.

Often premature and low birth weight babies need complex treatment and purpose antibacterial agents leading to folic acid deficiency. At this stage, specialists as replacement therapy Vitamin B9 supplements are often prescribed.

For babies up to one year old

Healthy children in their first year of life receive a daily dose of folacin from breast milk or infant formula. The vitamin content in mother's milk will satisfy the baby's need if the mother adheres to balanced nutrition and regularly takes vitamin preparations recommended during lactation. For artificial babies, it is recommended to select mixtures enriched with folic acid.

In 12 months, the baby should grow more than 2 times and triple its weight. And it is not surprising that children under one year of age are extremely sensitive to a lack of this vitamin, which is involved in all types of metabolism, the production of proteins for growth and production immune cells. This is an obligatory participant in hematopoiesis, responsible for the production of healthy and functionally complete red blood cells.

At kindergarten age

• The role of folacin in the formation of strong immunity is high. A child living in a crowded group inevitably encounters new infections. The development of immune bodies against a number of childhood infections maintains immunity to them throughout life.
• Vitamin B9 also supports nervous system function. Regulates the processes of excitation and inhibition, participating in the synthesis of neurotransmitters: serotonin (the hormone of joy) and adrenaline (the hormone of stress). Ultimately it makes it easier social adaptation baby in a circle of peers.
• Acquiring new skills and information about the world around us requires an increase in memory capacity and intensive brain growth, again thanks to a sufficient supply of vitamin B9 to your fidget’s body.

For schoolchildren

By regulating brain activity, vitamin B9 significantly affects the academic performance of schoolchildren. This was first announced by scientists from the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami.

It turns out that optimal levels of folic acid in the blood serum help schoolchildren cope more easily with training programs, relieves emotional stress and feelings of overwork, and in adolescence Helps overcome the difficulties of hormonal changes.

Instructions for use

Folic acid Available in two dosage forms: in the form of a solution for intramuscular injections and in tablets of 1 mg.

Remember: the presence of instructions for use does not change the fact that the dosage and duration of the course can only be prescribed by the attending physician.

The vitamin is absorbed in the duodenum and small intestine, is deposited in the liver in the form of tetrahydrofolic acid, and the excess is excreted by the kidneys.

The main purpose of the drug is the treatment of anemia, the prevention of intrauterine development defects (neural tube in the fetus).

Children are given the vitamin after meals once a day in age-specific dosages:

• up to 6 months – 25 mcg;
• from 6 months to a year – 35 mcg;
• from one year to 3 – 50 mcg;
• from 3 to 6 years – 75 mcg;
• from 6 to 10 years – 100 mcg;
• from 10 to 14 years – 150 mcg;
• over 14 years old – 200 mcg.

A small dose necessary for the child, is difficult to separate from a tablet containing 1 mg (1000 mcg) of active substance. Therefore, for maximum accuracy, part of the tablet (1/4) is dissolved in water cooled after boiling in an amount of 25 ml. 1 ml of the resulting solution will contain 10 μg of active substance; respectively, 2.5 ml = 25 μg, 5 ml = 50 μg. A fresh solution is prepared daily, and the remains are poured out.

An overdose is practically impossible, but long-term use is associated with the risk of developing vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) hypovitaminosis.

The drug is contraindicated if the child has the following conditions:

• cyanocobalamin deficiency;
• pernicious anemia;
• individual intolerance (allergic skin manifestations);
• iron metabolism disorder.

Natural sources

The body's need for folate is met by eating foods with sufficient folate content.

It is useful to include children's menu fresh vegetables: tomatoes, beets, spinach and lettuce leaves, wild garlic and leeks. Sufficient amounts of the vitamin are found in hazelnuts, peanuts, broccoli, carrots, barley, eggs, meat, liver, milk and red fish.

Folacin is quickly destroyed when exposed to sun rays and during long-term storage. Significant losses occur in products after cooking. For example, when cooking, up to 75-90% of the vitamin is lost, and when frying, up to 95% of the vitamin is lost. And only half is absorbed from fresh greens.

A small amount is produced in the large intestine with the participation of beneficial microflora. But in case of intestinal diseases with malabsorption, independent synthesis almost completely stops.

Drugs

In pediatric practice, medications are prescribed that contain folic acid supplemented with other vitamins that increase its absorption by the growing body.

These are multivitamin complexes well known to parents:

• "Multitabs";
• "Supradin";
• "Vitrum Baby";
• "Jungle";
• "Complivit";
• "ABC" and others.

In everyday life, vitamin B9 has received the laconic name “folk”, and in most young mothers it evokes an extremely trusting and respectful attitude. But your child will only benefit from taking folic acid if approved by a doctor.

Essential for absolutely every living organism. Its deficiency can greatly affect human health. It is very important to monitor its content in the body. This is especially true for young children.

general information

Before we talk about methods of use and dosage, it is important to understand why children need folic acid. There are several advantages in total:

1. After using the drug, blood begins to circulate several times better. This prevents the risk of developing anemia at an early age.

2. It is created in the intestines beneficial microflora, which protects this organ from various diseases.

3. Improves bone marrow function.

Children need it to strengthen the body, restore immunity and protect against the penetration of bacteria. Therefore, it is very important to start taking it the sooner the better. Doctors talk about this.

Taking folic acid when planning pregnancy

Fortunately, most women take a responsible approach to such issues as family planning. Before conception, a conscious patient registers at the clinic, undergoes an examination and passes all necessary tests. Doctors strongly recommend that every expectant parent (both mother and father) take two tablets of folic acid (400 mcg) twice a day three months before the expected pregnancy.

First of all, the drug is necessary to maintain normal hemoglobin levels in the blood. Many couples cannot conceive a child long time due to its insufficiency. Folic acid contains an important derivative - tetrahydrofolate. When it enters the body of a man or woman, it begins to secrete biochemical enzymes. As a result, the partner’s body is better prepared for the process of conception. The expectant father's sperm become faster and of better quality, and the expectant mother's ovulation process is more efficient. Thus, couples planning a pregnancy need to consume folic acid. Firstly, for the successful conception of a baby. Secondly, for the full development of the fetus.

Taking folic acid during pregnancy

If conception and implantation of the embryo in the uterine cavity has occurred successfully, then medical specialists It is also recommended to consume vitamin B9 throughout the first trimester. It is necessary in the body expectant mother in order to prevent the development various defects neural tube, namely spina bifida, hydrops and brain herniation. This can cause a variety of unpleasant moments: placental abruption, disruption of its formation and other defects that can lead to miscarriage and premature birth. Be sure to remember this.

B9 for children under 1 year

Children under 12 months do not need folic acid. It is prescribed by a pediatrician only for the following symptoms:

• If the child was born prematurely, that is, before the 37th week of pregnancy. This drug allows him to quickly catch up with his peers.
• If your baby is not gaining weight well. According to experts, in the first 12 months of life it should grow more than 2 times compared to its original parameters.
• If your baby has problems with bowel function. For example, when he often experiences constipation or diarrhea.

In rare cases, vitamin B9 is prescribed as an additional vitamin. This applies to newborns who are artificial nutrition. Babies who are fed breast milk usually have enough of all the necessary vitamins.

The value of vitamin B9 for boys and girls aged 1.5 to 7 years

Children also need folic acid during the period when they begin to attend kindergarten. Being in a large team often leads to development viral diseases. This drug produces immune bodies in the body that do not perceive childhood infections. In some cases, this vitamin is prescribed by a psychologist if the child does not adapt well to the environment.

The value of vitamin B9 for children over 7 years old

Vitamin B9 must also be taken by schoolchildren. American scientists have proven that it improves several times intellectual activity and allows you to concentrate. In addition, this drug prevents the development of fatigue, which can arise from an unusual training load.

Dosage for small children

Lack of folic acid provokes a huge number of diseases. However, its excess will not lead to anything good. Therefore, it is very important to follow the dosage of folic acid for children:

• The minimum amount of the drug is 25 mcg. This is the amount of vitamin that is enough for babies in the first six months of life.
• From 6 months, its amount can be increased to 35 mcg.
• Children over 1 year old - no more than 50 mcg.

That's not all. Further daily norm folic acid increases by 25 units every three years. That is, if a child is 3 years old, then he needs 75 mcg of the vitamin, 6 years old - 100 mcg, 9 years old - 125 mcg. The maximum daily intake is 200 mcg. This is exactly what is enough for children aged 14 years and older.

How to take it correctly?

Fortunately, there are enough simple instructions on the use of folic acid for children:

1. First of all, you should pay attention to the dosage of one tablet. It can be equal to 400 mcg or 1 mg.
2. The required amount must be separated from it, depending on the age of the child.
3. Then you should carefully crush this particle so that you get a fine powder.
4. All that remains is to dilute it with water and give it to the child to drink.

It is worth considering that taking this vitamin does not depend on the consumption of food and other medications. It has a neutral taste. Therefore, there is no need to drink it with water.

How to take the smallest dosages correctly?

Still, some people may have difficulty with the instructions for folic acid for children. For example, if it is necessary to separate a particle equal to 25 mcg from 1 mg (for a newborn baby). To achieve this result, you need to do the following:

1. Divide the tablet into 4 equal parts.
2. One of them should be crushed into powder and diluted with 5 teaspoons of boiled water.
3. 2.5 ml of this solution (half a teaspoon) will contain 25 mcg of folic acid.

The medicine is given to older children in the same way. One teaspoon equals 50 mcg, and 2 teaspoons equals 100 mcg.

The course of treatment with this drug should range from two weeks to 30 days. The daily norm can be divided into 2-3 times if desired.

Additionally

Folic acid can be given to children not only in the form of medicine, but also through regular food. For example, it is found in chicken, cabbage, cottage cheese, cheese, and almost all types of nuts and greens. It is advisable that they be preferred by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. This will reduce the risk of serious illness.

Finally

Vitamin B9 mandatory necessary for every citizen from the very beginning early age. Its deficiency can negatively affect human health and appearance(hair often begins to fall out, nails break, and acne appears). Therefore, experts recommend the use of folic acid for children and adults for prevention, at least once every three years. It is worth noting that medicinal product can be purchased at an affordable price. One package containing 30 tablets costs about 100 rubles.

Folic acid, or vitamin B9, is involved in cell division cell nucleus and reproduction of nucleic acids. The need for it increases during the period of active growth of the body. Folates are found in large quantities in green vegetables, but infants cannot eat them raw, and cooking them completely destroys the vitamin. Nursing mothers who eat a balanced diet are less likely to suffer from hypovitaminosis. Folic acid for infants is prescribed for the purpose of treatment and prevention. It is necessary: ​​for premature babies due to immaturity of the digestive tract; poor weight gain; with anemia. Folate deficiency leads to impaired red blood cell division. Anemia develops, which cannot be cured with iron supplements. It is diagnosed by the appearance of small-diameter immature cells in a blood test. Additional signs lack of vitamin are pallor, frequent stomatitis, unstable sleep, poor growth and appetite. Before giving B9 drugs small child, consultation with a doctor is necessary. The vitamin is water-soluble, its excess is excreted by the kidneys. But an overdose is possible, which manifests itself as: bloating; nausea; discomfort in the stomach and intestines; insomnia; psychomotor agitation; allergies. Children who have been given a large dose become restless, cry, refuse to eat and sleep poorly. The dosage for infants is prescribed depending on age or body weight. For a baby up to one year old, it ranges from 10 to 40 mcg per day. The drug is prescribed in a course, after which an examination is carried out. A blood test can tell whether signs of anemia remain, and the results of weighing and a general examination allow us to judge the child’s growth rate. After diagnosis, the dose is reduced or a decision is made to stop treatment.

It was first synthesized from green plant leaves.

Women who are planning a pregnancy or are already carrying a baby need to take this vitamin. It has a beneficial effect on the functions of the placenta and protects the unborn baby from harmful factors.

In pediatrics, children's folic acid is used as one of the components of multivitamin complexes. It is also available as an independent drug. The name is easy to remember - “folic acid”.

Vitamin B9 is used in various fields of medicine:

• gynecology;
• pediatrics;
• obstetrics.

The process of maturation of the body is characterized by high intensity:

• division of bone tissue;
• development of the nervous system;
• formation of new cells.

All this requires huge amount protein and energy. Folic acid is involved in the process of protein synthesis, and therefore occupies an important place in human life. Participates in the metabolism of nucleic acids that make up DNA and RNA. They are responsible for the formation of new body cells. In the processes of brain activity, vitamin B9 regulates the formation of new connections, the process of neuronal division, the activity of synapses and is involved in the synthesis of biologically active substances.
AT 9 important role in the process of formation of red blood cells and other blood organisms.

Correct Application:

• will prevent the development of anemia;
• improves metabolism.

Can it be given to children?

Folic acid does not pose a threat to children, and therefore is recommended for use with first complementary foods. Before taking the drug, consult with medical worker. Whether children can have folic acid is an individual question.

How to give to children

Foliates are taken after meals. Daily dosage depends on age and indications for use. In the first months of life, which are characterized by rapid development, the newborn’s body requires a large amount of microelements. Baby food or special additives will be able to provide the baby with the right amount of nutrients.

Folic acid for babies

When breastfeeding and the mother has a sufficient vitamin diet, there is no need for additional vitamin intake. Increased level B9 is fraught with an allergic reaction or asthmatic attacks.

Folic acid is prescribed to children under one year of age:

• with poor appetite;
• frequent illnesses;
• slow weight gain.

1. Divide the 1 mcg tablet into four parts.
2. Separate a quarter of the tablet. This is the daily dose of the drug.
3. Crush the quarters in a spoon.
4. Dissolve the resulting powder in 25 mg of water.
5. Add the solution to a bottle of water.
6. Give your baby something to drink