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Should men take folic acid when planning a pregnancy?

The birth of a baby is the greatest gift for both the expectant mother and the father. Parents-to-be should remember that planning a child well is very important. This approach helps to reduce the risk of possible dangerous diseases and pathologies that arise in the baby during the period of intrauterine development.

Why is this necessary?

The health of the male body at the planning stage of the baby is a very important indicator. Often men think that it doesn't matter at all. They believe that if the expectant mother is healthy, then the baby will be born healthy. This is a big misconception.

During conception, the baby “takes” half of the genetic apparatus from the father, and the other half from the mother. If during this period a man is sick, then this does not affect the best way in the future for the baby. Doctors strongly recommend that all couples planning to become parents carefully monitor your health even before conceiving a child. Quite often it happens that the deficiency of various vitamins and minerals contributes to the emergence of various pathologies.

For the full functioning of the male body, many different substances are required. Folic acid is one of the most important of them.

The most important function of this substance is the renewal of all cells in the body. Folic acid is also called vitamin B9. It is water-soluble. This chemical feature allows this substance to be very well distributed throughout the body, penetrating into all its cells.

Scientists have found that folic acid is very important for the stronger sex. It should be taken at the stage of planning pregnancy not only by the wife, but also by the husband. This substance helps to normalize spermatogenesis in the male body. During this process, healthy sperm are produced in a man.

If the future dad has any diseases of the reproductive system or other internal organs, then in this case, taking folic acid is necessary.

Researchers believe that a deficiency of this substance in the body increases the risk of developing various gene and chromosomal pathologies. Such diseases are extremely dangerous, since they significantly affect the formation of various anomalies and defects in the intrauterine development of the fetus.

For the prevention of various disorders associated with a deficiency of various biologically active substances and minerals, the expectant mother should use multivitamin complexes. So, for a woman preparing to become a mother, it is very important to take vitamin E, folic acidas well as various other substances.

It is also very important for the expectant mother to take a sufficient amount of folic acid even before conceiving a baby. Women's health is a very important indicator at this stage.

In addition to the preventive purpose of use, this remedy is also taken for medical reasons. In this situation, folic acid intake is required for a fairly long period of time.

One of these diseases is considered macrocytic anemia. This condition is revealed after a general blood test. The danger of this pathology is that it can lead to the appearance in a man of various unfavorable symptoms that significantly disrupt his general well-being.

Taking folic acid can lead not only to the normalization of blood counts, but will also contribute to good spermatogenesis. Also, with this use, the functioning of the nervous system improves. The man's memory and attention improve.

Many dads-to-be note that after a course of folic acid use, their mood has improved and the ability to exercise has increased.

What should you do before conceiving a baby?

Before using folic acid, the father-to-be should still consult with a doctor. For this, it is better to consult a therapist. The doctor will prescribe all the necessary tests and examinations necessary to clarify the state of health of a man and identify dangerous pathologies in him.

A prerequisite for a future father is a consultation with a urologist. Many men think that if they have no visible problems, then they should not visit this doctor. However, this is a big misconception. Even “healthy”-looking people can have hidden problems or pathologies.

It is especially important and necessary to visit a doctor for a man from a couple who has been trying to conceive a baby for a long time, but they cannot.

The urologist will definitely conduct a clinical examination. During such a study, the doctor will be able to determine the signs of possible diseases. If, after conducting a clinical examination, the doctor determined the presence of any abnormalities, then he may recommend the man to undergo additional research.

For this, the semen is checked. The importance of this test cannot be overstated. It helps to determine how many viable sperm are in the semen. This study is extremely necessary if the couple has any problems with conceiving a baby.

What should be the nutrition of the future father?

In order for the body to receive the required amount of folic acid, a man should carefully monitor what he eats.

Many foods contain this vitamin in large quantities. Their regular use helps to fulfill the daily need for it and prevent the development of folate deficiency states. This kind of diet is an excellent prevention of all kinds of problems associated with a deficiency of folic acid in the body.

The father-to-be should eat meat regularly. You should not abuse its fatty varieties. Beef or veal is an excellent choice. They contain not only a lot of folic acid, but also other vitamins and minerals necessary for the full functioning of the male body.

Doctors guarantee that this food will not only be useful, but also really like men. It includes quite a few products that are very loved by the stronger sex.

You should also not avoid offal. Enough of this vitamin contains in the liver... Any liver is suitable for cooking - both pork and beef. For men who categorically do not like to eat such offal, you can try chicken liver.

An excellent side dish for meat will be vegetables. They will not only help him to better assimilate in the body, but will also be a good addition. Vegetables and leafy greens contain a lot of different vitamins and microelements necessary for the optimal functioning of the male body.

This water-soluble vitamin is also found in in brewer's yeast. It is important to note that beer is not the best choice for compensating for folate deficiency. The alcohol it contains has a negative effect on spermatogenesis.

Taking biologically active agents that contain brewer's yeast helps to normalize the daily intake of folic acid in the body. Such drugs are prescribed by the therapist.

Required dosages of the drug

It is important to understand that daily dosages may vary. If folic acid is taken by a man for prophylactic purposes, then the dose of the drug is relatively small.

Future dads who have severe problems with spermatogenesis or are infertile will take large dosages. This is necessary to compensate for the violations that have arisen.

If, despite adhering to proper nutrition, the couple still cannot conceive a baby, then the doctor may recommend using folic acid tablets. The selection of the dosage is carried out individually, you should not do it yourself.

Such funds are prescribed, as a rule, for both a man and a woman at the same time. You should not use the product only according to the instructions for use. For the selection of the optimal dosage, you should consult with your doctor. Also, the doctor will give the future dad the necessary recommendations for drawing up a daily menu. The average daily dosage for men planning to become fathers is 200 mcg / day.

In some situations the doctor may increase this dose to 400 mcg. Typically, these dosages are prescribed on the recommendation of a urologist or reproductologist. They are recommended for men who have various problems with conception or those suffering from infertility.

How to use it correctly?

Many doctors believe that both the expectant mother and the father should start taking folic acid 2.5-3 months before conceiving a baby. For the realization of its functions in the body, it is very important that this vitamin is supplied daily.

Given this feature, folic acid preparations should be daily throughout the entire planning period of the baby... The duration of the course application is determined individually by the attending physician.

You can not skip taking this vitamin. This will lead to the fact that the accumulation of folic acid in the body will be deficient.

Today on the pharmaceutical market there are a huge number of different folic acid preparations. For daily use, tablet forms are prescribed. They are produced, as a rule, in 50 and 100 pieces in one package. When used, these drugs should be taken with a sufficient amount of liquid.

It is important to remember that taking other medicines can weaken the absorption of this substance in the body. In order to avoid this, it is imperative that you consult your doctor before using any additional medicines or dietary supplements.

Experts note that Folic acid supplementation with sedatives and anticonvulsants may be ineffective. In such a situation, the absorption of the water-soluble vitamin will be significantly reduced.

Also, the simultaneous use of certain antibiotics can lead to a weakening of the effect.

For more information on taking folic acid when planning a pregnancy, see the following video.

Watch the video: Pregnant women advised to continue taking folic acid supplements (July 2024).