Nutri Courses

Advisory

Vitamin B9

Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, is one of the eight B vitamins. It plays a key role in many bodily functions, including the formation of DNA and RNA, protein synthesis, cell division, and the production of red blood cells. It is also essential for the proper development of the fetal nervous system during pregnancy. A deficiency in vitamin B9 can lead to a number of health problems, including anemia, digestive disorders, and congenital developmental defects in newborns.

Vitamin B9 is naturally present in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, fruits, legumes, meat, and whole-grain products. It can also be added to some processed foods, such as cereals and bread, and is available as a dietary supplement. Although vitamin B9 is water-soluble and the body does not store it in large amounts, it is important to adhere to the recommended daily intake to prevent deficiency.

Hello,

I have a question regarding B9. What could be the cause of a significant deficiency in the blood despite taking a supplement with extreme doses? I guess it might be a malabsorption issue... but how can this be addressed? The doctor isn't looking for the cause and only recommends extreme supplementation.

Thank you very much in advance for your response.

Yes, a deficiency of vitamin B9 (folic acid) can be caused by malabsorption. This disorder can be due to various factors such as intestinal diseases, the use of certain medications, alcoholism, or genetic factors. If your doctor is not investigating the cause, consider consulting a specialist (gastroenterologist).

Supplementation with high doses can be effective, but it can also lead to overdosing, so be cautious about this.

Hello,

I would like to ask if taking folic acid can have a positive effect on allergies (I would say primarily allergies that occur in the spring/summer period to various pollens, grasses, etc.). Honestly, I don't see any connection as to why folic acid should be beneficial in this regard, but my husband's mother claims that five of her colleagues suffering from allergies started taking folic acid and all of them feel relief from their allergies. Is that possible?

Thank you very much!

Research indeed points to this relationship - it has been found that higher levels of folate are associated with lower levels of the immunoglobulin E antibody. Increased intake of folic acid thus also has significance in relation to supporting the function of the immune system.

Questions answered by

Mgr. Martin Jelinek
Lecturer and author of the educational system

Mgr. Martin Jelínek has been systematically involved in nutrition education since 1999. He is the founder of ATAC, the educational company behind NutriCourses, and the author of an educational system focused on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and the practical application of nutrition knowledge.

He graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. Throughout his professional career, he has combined nutrition, education, and the practical application of acquired knowledge. His educational system also includes the ZOF (Zone of Optimal Functioning) learning application, where students turn theory into practical work with meal plans.

In 2007, he launched the first intake of a six-month course focused on the education of nutrition advisors. Over time, this course became the foundation for the further development of the educational system and a range of specialised courses.

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