Vitamin B9 or folic acid is a supplement to prevent and overcome vitamin B9 deficiency. Vitamin B9 plays an important role in the formation process of red blood cells and genetic material , such as DNA. Folic acid is also used to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus.
Naturally, the need for vitamin B9 can be met by routinely consuming foods rich in folic acid , such as beef liver , spinach, cereals, broccoli, cabbage, radishes, lettuce, papaya, bananas, avocados, oranges, lemons, peanuts, eggs, or fish.
In addition, folic acid is also available in the form of vitamin supplements that are generally consumed by pregnant women, women who are planning a pregnancy, or people suffering from anemia.
Brands of vitamin B9 (folic acid): Anemolat, Camabion, Ferrolat, Folic Acid, Folavit , Geriavita, Sakatonik Liver , Sangobion Kids, Soluvit N, Tablet Add Blood, Tivilac, Maltofer Fol, Nucalci, Regenesis Max, R-Betix, and Vivena-12
What Is Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
| Group | Over-the-counter and prescription drugs |
| Category | Vitamin supplements |
| Benefits | Overcome folic acid deficiency, megaloblastic anemia , and prevent neural tube defects in the fetus. |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Vitamin B9 for pregnant and lactating mothers |
Category A: Controlled studies in pregnant women have shown no risk to the fetus, and there is little possibility of harm to the fetus.
Folic acid can be absorbed into breast milk, but is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers to consume. Breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women are advised to consume B9 supplements that are specifically intended for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. |
| Drug form | Tablets, syrups, caplets, capsules, powders, and injectable powders |
Warning Before Using Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
There are several things you should pay attention to before using vitamin B9 supplements, including:
- Do not use B9 supplements if you are allergic to the content found in this product.
- Consult your doctor about the use of vitamin B9 supplements if you have or are currently suffering from kidney disease , vitamin B12 deficiency, infection, pernicious anemia, cancer , or alcohol addiction .
- Consult your doctor about the use of folic acid if you are or have recently undergone hemodialysis or the installation of a heart ring ( stent ).
- Consult about the appropriate dosage and duration of folic acid, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages during folic acid treatment, as it can interfere with the absorption of this vitamin.
- See a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction or overdose after consuming vitamin B9.
Dosage and Use of Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
The dose of vitamin B9 varies, depending on the age and condition of the patient, as well as the purpose of use. Here are the details of the general dose of vitamin B9 based on the purpose of use:
Purpose: As an additional supplement
Drug form: Tablets, caplets, capsules, and syrup
- Adults: 400 mcg per day
- Pregnant women: 600 mcg per day
- Nursing mothers: 500 mcg per day
- Children aged ≥14 years: 400 mcg per day
- Children aged 9–14 years: 300 mcg per day
- Children aged 4–9 years: 200 mcg per day
- Children aged 1–4 years: 150 mcg per day
- Children aged 7–12 months: 80 mcg per day
- Children aged 0–6 months: 65 mcg per day
Purpose: Overcome folic acid deficiency
Drug form: Tablet, caplet, capsule, syrup, and injection
- Adults: 400–000 mcg
- Children aged 1–10 years: Initial dose 1,000 mcg/day, extended dose 100–400 mcg per day
- Infants: 15 mcg/kgBB per day or 50 mcg
Purpose: Prevent neural tube defects in the fetus
Drug form: Tablets, caplets, capsules, and syrup
- Pregnant women: 600 mcg per day
- Women who are planning pregnancy: 400 mcg per day
- Women at high risk or with a family history of neural tube defects: 4,000 mcg per day
Purpose: To treat megaloblastic anemia caused by folate deficiency
Drug form: Tablets, caplets, capsules, and syrup
- Children aged >1 year to adult: 5,000 mcg per day for up to 4 months. The dose can be increased to a maximum of 15,000 mcg per day if experiencing malabsorption
Drug form: Injection
- Adults: Maintenance dose 400 mcg per day, maximum dose 1,000 mcg
- Children aged >12 years: Same as adult dose
- Children aged ≥4 years: 400 mcg per day
- Children aged <4 years: dose up to 300 mcg per day
- Infants: 100 mcg per day
Purpose: Overcome methanol poisoning
Drug form: Injection
- Adults: 50,000–75,000 mcg every 4 hours, for 24 hours
- Children: 1,000 mcg/kgBB every 4 hours, for 24 hours
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) Nutrient Sufficiency Index
Vitamin B9 needs can be met through food, supplements, or a combination of the two. The measure to calculate AKG vitamin B9 is known as dietary folate equivalents (DFE) or food equivalent to folate.
Please note, 1 mcg of DFE is equivalent to:
- 1 mcg of folate from food
- 0.6 mcg of folic acid from food fortified with vitamins or supplements consumed with food
- 0.5 mcg of folic acid from a supplement consumed on an empty stomach
The nutritional adequacy figure (AKG) that is recommended varies based on age and health conditions. Here is a breakdown of the daily AKG for vitamin B9 based on age and DFE:
- Age 0–6 months: 65 mcg DFE
- Age 7–12 months: 80 mcg DFE
- Ages 1–3 years: 150 mcg DFE
- Ages 4–8 years: 200 mcg DFE
- Ages 9–13 years: 300 mcg DFE
- Age ≥14 years: 400 mcg DFE
Pregnant women and nursing mothers need more intake of vitamin B9, namely 600 mcg DFE per day for pregnant women and 500 mcg DFE mcg per day for nursing mothers.
How to Use Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) Correctly
Vitamin and mineral supplements are consumed to meet the body's need for vitamins and minerals, especially when the intake from food is insufficient. Keep in mind, supplements are only a supplement to nutritional intake, not a substitute for nutrition from food.
Use vitamin B9 supplements according to the instructions on the packaging. If necessary, discuss with the doctor to find out the dose that suits your condition.
Giving vitamin B9 supplements in the form of injections will be done by a doctor or medical staff under the supervision of a doctor. Vitamin B9 in injectable form will be injected into muscles (intramuscular/IM), veins (intravenous/IV), or skin (subcutaneous/SC).
Vitamin B9 supplements can be consumed before or after meals. Consume the medicine with a glass of water. Try to consume it at the same time every day for maximum treatment results.
If you forget to take a vitamin B9 supplement, immediately take the medicine if the pause with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.
Store vitamin B9 in a cool dry place. Avoid heat and exposure to direct sunlight. Keep supplements out of the reach of children.
Interaction of Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) with Other Medicines
Drug interactions can occur if vitamin B9 is used together with certain drugs. The following drug interactions can occur:
- Decreased absorption of vitamin B9 is used with triamterene or sulfasalazine
- Increased risk of lithium side effects
- Decreased levels of vitamin B9 in the blood and decreased levels of pyrimethamine or antiepileptic drugs, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin , or valproate
- Decreased therapeutic effect of methotrexate
- Increased effect of capecitabine or fluorouracil
- Decreased therapeutic effect of vitamin B9 if used with chloramphenicol
Side Effects and Dangers of Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
Vitamin B9 rarely causes side effects when consumed according to the recommended dosage. However, there are some side effects that can occur after consuming folic acid, namely:
- Nausea
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion
- Sleep disturbance
- Get angry easily