Amber acid for children: indications for use, dosage

Succinic acid is a dibasic carboxylic acid and is a colorless crystalline substance that participates in cellular respiration (biochemical reactions) of living organisms. Therefore, in nature it is found in all plants, animals, amber, and brown coal. It is produced from amber waste or synthetically, through chemical reactions. Its range of application is very wide: in crop production, livestock farming, and poultry farming as a growth stimulant and to enhance the protective properties of organisms; in the food industry - as an antioxidant, additive E363, which protects products from oxidation, preserves color, and extends shelf life; in cosmetology, especially in anti-aging skin care products.

In pharmacology, many drugs contain succinic acid, including in the treatment of cerebrovascular, cardiovascular disorders, alcohol and other poisonings, radiculitis, anemia, colds and viral diseases. It has been established that it increases the tone and immunity of the body, improves the functioning of the central nervous system, accelerates energy metabolism, stimulates insulin synthesis. With such a "track record" the question arises: can this remedy be used for children?

Benefits and harms for children

So, can this substance be given to a child? Let's try to evaluate its benefits and harms for children. Succinic acid is not a drug, does not accumulate in the body, is not toxic, and does not cause addiction. It activates protective resources, accelerates energy exchange in cells.

A healthy person produces approximately 200 g of succinic acid daily, and some more comes from the food they eat: pickled vegetables, fermented milk products, cheeses, and unripe berries. It is also found in brewer's yeast and aged wines, which are not included in children's diets. In the case of increased intellectual or physical stress due to sports, stress, or outbreaks of infections, this substance is consumed excessively, and a deficiency occurs. The body reacts to this by feeling unwell, becoming tired, and feeling unwell.

The positive effect of succinic acid in the treatment of pneumonia and bronchial asthma in adults has been experimentally proven, which means that it can also cope with seasonal infections in children. It is logical to help a child during their spread for prevention or during illness by resorting to this remedy. After an illness or stress that has exhausted the body, it will also not be superfluous to take measures for rehabilitation, restoration of strength and vitality. And yet the pediatrician should decide, since only he knows the health condition of his patients, can weigh and assess all the risks.

Harm from taking the drug occurs in case of disorders in the digestive organs, allergies. Other obstacles to the use of succinic acid are stones in the urinary system or high blood pressure, which sometimes occurs in adolescence.

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Indications of succinic acid for children

Indications for the use of succinic acid are asthenic conditions: loss of strength, chronic fatigue, nervous exhaustion. If parents notice that the child does not show his usual activity or is overly excited, in the absence of other reasons causing such symptoms, you can consult a doctor about the advisability of using this drug. At school age, indications for its use can be heavy loads dictated by the dynamics of modern life and the desire of parents to raise a comprehensively developed personality, sometimes to the detriment of the health of children. They are sent to additional classes and visits to various clubs, and this exhausts the body. In asthmatic manifestations, seasonal outbreaks of infections, diabetes, various poisonings, the drug alleviates the symptoms of the disease, removes toxins from the body, prolongs the period of remission of chronic ailments.

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Release form

The drug is available in tablet and powder form. Different tablet manufacturers add various auxiliary substances in addition to succinic acid: ascorbic acid, potato starch, talc, sugar, aerosil - silicon dioxide.

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Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacodynamics consists of the regulatory function of tissue metabolism, its antioxidant property (reducing the rate of formation of free radicals), slowing down the aging process, and strengthening the body's defenses.

The drug stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, thus increasing appetite, which is important for children who eat poorly. Succinic acid promotes the synthesis of ATP, the energy component of any cell, improves the body's oxidative and reductive reactions, muscle contractility, accelerates the oxidation of acetaldehyde and ethanol, converting them into acetic acid, which is safe for the body. People who do not have such a conversion at the genetic level are susceptible to Alzheimer's disease in old age.

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Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of the drug are as follows: 10-20 minutes after entering the digestive tract through the mouth, the substance is absorbed into the tissues and blood, and then participates in the release of cellular energy necessary for metabolic processes. After half an hour, it breaks down into water and carbon dioxide, and is completely eliminated from the body.

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Dosing and administration

Succinic acid is taken after dissolving it in water or fruit juice or compote. If the child has a poor appetite, the solution should be taken before meals to stimulate the production of gastric juice. In other cases, it is best to take it after meals to prevent negative effects on the stomach.

Children under one year should not be given the drug, from one to five years - a quarter of a tablet (0.1 g), from 5 to 12 years - half, three times a day. After 12 years - a whole tablet. The recommended duration of treatment is a month, after which it is necessary to take a break for 2 weeks and repeat the course again.

During pregnancy, the daily dose is 0.25 g, but it is indicated at certain times. Thus, at the beginning of the second, third trimester and 10-20 days before childbirth, it is recommended to take a ten-day course of 0.25 g per day. You should not take succinic acid at night, because it excites the brain.

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Contraindications

Despite the many positive effects of succinic acid on the body, there are a number of contraindications to its use. First of all, this is hypersensitivity to the drug. There are also a number of diseases that are incompatible with its use: ischemic heart disease, angina pectoris, hypertension, exacerbation of ulcers of the digestive tract, glaucoma of the eyes, late gestosis during pregnancy (another name is late toxicosis, causing disruption of the kidneys and blood vessels of the brain).

Side effects of succinic acid for children

When taking succinic acid, side effects may include heartburn, belching, pain and heaviness in the upper part of the stomach, sometimes nausea and vomiting caused by increased secretion of gastric juice. Long-term use of the drug can cause an increase in blood pressure.

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Overdose

An overdose of succinic acid is impossible, since it does not accumulate in the body.

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Interactions with other drugs

The positive role of succinic acid in interaction with other drugs is known: simultaneous use with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, anti-tuberculosis drugs enhances their effect and alleviates the accompanying symptoms. It is not recommended to combine with psychotropic drugs and barbiturates due to a decrease in their effectiveness.

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Storage conditions

Succinic acid is stored in a dry place, out of reach of children, at a temperature not exceeding 25° C.

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Shelf life

The shelf life, subject to storage conditions, is 3 years from the date of manufacture.

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Reviews

There are various reviews on the Internet forums about the medicinal properties of succinic acid: from complete rejection to obvious positive effects. Skeptics claim that with the daily synthesis of 200 g of the substance by the body, the insignificant dose that comes to us from the outside cannot have a noticeable effect. Others, having tried it, felt positive changes in their condition. It is difficult to say what caused the improvement, succinic acid or the "placebo" effect. Doctors, based on research data, recognize it as a biotic that normalizes and regulates various physiological processes, increases the body's resistance to various external aggressive agents.