Vitamin B9, or folic acid, is a key vitamin during pregnancy. A deficiency can lead to serious malformations of the fetus and the risk of premature delivery. Outside of this particular period, folates have an equally essential role in the body, particularly in terms of cell maturation and renewal.
Characteristics of vitamin B9:
- Water-soluble vitamins not synthesized by the body
- An essential role in cell renewal and red blood cell synthesis
- Found mostly in the liver and leafy green vegetables
- Folate needs to be doubled during pregnancy
- Deficiency responsible for fetal malformations, Spina Bifida, and megaloblastic anemia
Why consume foods rich in folic acid?
Definition, benefits, and roles of folic acid
Pregnancy and folate
Because of the link between neural tube defects and folate intake, it is recommended that women planning pregnancy consume 400 mcg of synthetic folic acid, from fortified foods or supplements, in addition to dietary folate intake.
This supplementation should ideally begin 3 months before conception and continue through the first trimester of pregnancy.
Cell renewal
Vitamin B9 (folic acid) plays an important role in protein metabolism and DNA production. Folic acid is involved in the production of rapidly renewing cells such as white and red blood cells, skin cells, etc.
Vitamin B9, vitamin B12, and cardiovascular protection
These two vitamins could act in synergy to reduce homocysteine levels. We now know that an excess of homocysteine in the blood is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A good intake of vitamins B9 and B12 could then participate in cardiovascular prevention.
hair beauty
Folic acid promotes the regeneration of skin appendages (nails and hair) and stimulates the hair follicle. A good supply of vitamin B9 helps strengthen hair and prevent hair loss.
In which foods is vitamin B9 found?
Vitamin B9 is mainly found in organ meats, legumes, and some green vegetables. Here is a list of the 20 foods highest in folic acid:
| food | Portions | (µg) |
| Poultry offal, grilled or braised | 100 g | 345-770 µg |
| Lamb or veal liver, sautéed | 100 g | 331-400 µg |
| Cooked legumes | 100 g | 229-368 µg |
| Pork or beef liver, braised or sautéed | 100 g | 163-260 µg |
| Boiled spinach | 125ml (1/2 cup) | 139 µg |
| Boiled asparagus | 125ml (1/2 cup) | 134 µg |
| Enriched pasta, cooked | 125ml (1/2 cup) | 120-125 µg |
| Soy beans, boiled or sautéed | 125ml (1/2 cup) | 83-106 µg |
| Boiled broccoli | 125ml (1/2 cup) | 89 µg |
| Roasted sunflower seeds | 60ml (1/4 cup) | 81 µg |
| Romaine lettuce | 250ml (1 cup) | 80 µg |
| Sunflower seed butter | 30 ml (2 tbsp) | 77 µg |
| Cooked beets | 125ml (1/2 cup) | 72 µg |
| Sprouted soybeans | 125ml (1/2 cup) | 64 µg |
| Raw spinach | 250ml (1 cup) | 61 µg |
| orange | 125ml (1/2 cup) | 58 µg |
| Brussels sprouts cooked | 4 choux (80 g) | 50 µg |
| Okras (okras), boiled | 125ml (1/2 cup) | 39 µg |
| Nuts, hazelnuts, filberts, dehydrated, unblanched | 60ml (1/4 cup) | 39 µg |
| Linseed | 60ml (1/4 cup) | 37 µg |
How to properly use vitamin B9 (folic acid)?
Use of folic acid
Daily Vitamin B9 Requirements
Folate requirements change throughout life. In pregnant women, in particular, it is essential to cover the needs which are then increased to avoid poor closure of the neural tube (Spina Bifida) and malformations of the fetus.
| Recommended Dietary Intake (ANC) | |
| Babies 0-6 months | 65 µg* |
| Babies 7-12 months | 80 µg* |
| Babies 1-3 years old | 150 µg |
| Children 4-8 years old | 200 µg |
| Boys 9-13 years old | 300 µg |
| Girls 9-13 years old | 300 µg |
| Boys 14-18 years old | 400 µg |
| Girls 14-18 years old | 400 µg |
| Men 19-50 years old | 400 µg |
| Women 19-50 years old | 400 µg |
| Men 50 and over | 400 µg |
| Women 50 and over | 400 µg |
| Pregnant women | 800 µg |
| Nursing women | 500 µg |
*Sufficient intakes
Vitamin B9 food supplements
Vitamin B9 supplementation can be considered to support the immune system, reduce cardiovascular risk or prevent neurological disorders.
In pregnant women, folic acid supplementation must be systematic to avoid malformations of the fetus and the risk of premature delivery. It is therefore recommended to take 800 micrograms of folic acid per day, including a diet rich in folate.
In other cases, the dosage and duration of supplementation may vary. However, it is strongly recommended never to exceed 1 mg of folic acid per day and to seek the advice of a doctor.
Adverse effects of vitamin B9
Vitamin B9 deficiencies
Vitamin B9 deficiency generally results in macrocytic anemia, nausea, and neurological disorders that can go as far as dementia or even tissue inflammation.
In pregnant women, a vitamin B9 deficiency can have dramatic consequences: Spina Bifida, growth retardation, premature delivery, etc. This is why supplementation should be considered even before conception.
Excess intake of folic acid
At very high doses folic acid can become neurotoxic and lead to more or less serious disorders of the nervous system. It is recommended never to exceed 1 mg per day without prior medical advice.
Interactions (with other nutrients)
Vitamin B9 seems to act in synergy with vitamin B12, a good intake of these two elements is essential. Certain drug treatments can, on the other hand, interact with folic acid and prevent its assimilation.
Thus, oral contraceptives or methotrexate have a negative effect on blood folate levels. In people on treatment, it may then be wise to consider supplementation.
Chemical properties
The molecular formula of vitamin B9 is C19H19N7O6, its molar mass is 441.3975 g/mol. It is a water-soluble vitamin with many roles in the body.
Folic acid is, in fact, a metabolic precursor of THF, involved in DNA synthesis. In terms of protein metabolism, vitamin B9 allows the synthesis of key amino acids (serine, methionine, etc.).
While plants can synthesize folic acid, animals and humans must necessarily find it in their daily diet to avoid the risk of deficiencies.
Historical
Nutrient history
It was in 1930 that L. Wills discovered the existence of severe anemia common to many pregnant women from underprivileged backgrounds in certain regions of India. The link between diet and this type of megaloblastic anemia is thus established. This form of anemia will be treated by adding yeast to the diet.
Later, researchers will succeed in isolating vitamin B9 from certain foods (liver, vegetables, etc.). Therefore, the study of this nutrient will reveal its many roles in cell maturation and renewal.
It was only in 1980 that scientists were able to establish a precise link between vitamin B9 deficiency and Spina Bifida. These discoveries quickly gave rise to the first recommendations regarding vitamin B9 supplementation during pregnancy.
Image Credit: Photo by Paras Kapoor on Unsplash
