Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12
About
Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12 belongs to a class of 'nutritional supplements,' primarily used to treat iron deficiency anaemia and nutritional deficiencies. Iron deficiency anaemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells due to low iron levels. Nutritional deficiency occurs when the body is unable to absorb or get enough nutrients from food.
Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12 contains Elemental iron, Folic acid, and Vitamin B12. Elemental iron is an essential mineral that aids in producing red blood cells and the transportation of oxygen to body tissues. Folic acid helps in forming red blood cells and prevents and treats folate deficiency (low blood levels of folate). Vitamin B12 helps in the proper functioning of the brain, nerves, and the production of red blood cells.
Your doctor will decide the dosage and duration based on your medical condition. In some cases, Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12 may cause side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, stomach upset, and constipation. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.
Brief your medical history to the doctor if you have any heart/kidney/liver diseases, iron overload disorders like hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, and intestinal problems (ulcer, colitis) before starting Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12. It is essential to seek medical advice before starting Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12 if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Drinking alcohol may affect iron absorption; therefore, it is advised to consult your doctor before using Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12. Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12 should be given to children only when advised by the doctor.
Uses of Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12
Medicinal Benefits
Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12 is composed of Elemental iron, Folic acid, and Vitamin B12. Elemental iron is an essential mineral that aids in producing red blood cells and the transportation of oxygen to body tissues. Folic acid helps form red blood cells and prevents and treats folate deficiency. Vitamin B12 helps in the proper functioning of the brain and nerves and aids in the production of red blood cells. It regulates body functions like cell multiplication, blood formation, and protein synthesis.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach upset
- Constipation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Let your doctor know if you are allergic to any of the components. Brief your medical history to the doctor if you have any heart/kidney/liver diseases, iron overload disorders like hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, and intestinal problems (ulcer, colitis) before starting Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12. Pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12. Iron is excreted into the breast milk when used by a nursing mother; hence consult your doctor before taking Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12. Drinking alcohol may affect iron absorption; therefore, it is advised to consult your doctor if you have any concerns. Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12 should be used in children only when advised by the doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12 may interact with antibiotics (penicillamine), Parkinson's medications (levodopa), fits medicines (phenobarbital, phenytoin), anticancer drugs (fluorouracil, capecitabine), and hormones (levothyroxine).
Drug-Food Interaction: Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12 should not be taken along with alcohol, dairy products, and eggs as it might affect iron absorption in the body.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12 should be used with caution in heart, liver, or kidney diseases, hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, ulcer, and colitis.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionDrinking alcohol may affect iron absorption; therefore, it is advised to consult your doctor before consuming alcohol while on treatment with Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12.
Pregnancy
cautionThere is limited data on how Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12 affects pregnancy. Please consult your doctor before starting Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12 if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
Breast Feeding
cautionIron may pass into breast milk when used by a breastfeeding mother. Please consult your doctor before taking Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12 if you are a nursing mother.
Driving
consult your doctorElemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12 usually does not interfere with your driving ability. However, please consult your doctor if you notice any side effects that affect your mental ability while using Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before taking Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before recommending Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12.
Kidney
cautionYou should seek a doctor's advice before starting Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12 if you have kidney disease. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before recommending Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12.
Children
cautionElemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12 should be used in children only when suggested by a doctor. The doctor will advise the dosage of Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12 based on the child's age and weight.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include red meat, pork, poultry, and seafood in your diet.
- Iron sources like kidney beans, black beans, spinach, raisins, apricots, and lentils will help you improve your iron deficiency when taken along with Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12.
- Also, include iron-fortified cereals, bread, and pasta timely in your regular food intake.
- Vitamin C foods like orange juice, broccoli, strawberries, melons, and bell peppers enhance iron absorption into the body.
- You can also try iron gummies if you have sweet cravings.
- Recent trends, like using cast iron utensils for cooking, can also improve your iron levels.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Nutritional deficiencies: A nutritional deficiency occurs when the body does not absorb or get enough nutrients from food. Vitamins and minerals are necessary for body development and the prevention of diseases. Nutrient deficiency can lead to many health problems like a weakened immune system, skin problems, digestion problems, defective bone growth, and neurological diseases.
Iron deficiency anaemia: It is a condition caused due to low iron levels in which the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to various body tissues. If the body has too little iron, it cannot make enough haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the main protein in the red blood cells, responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, light-headedness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, brittle nails, and pale skin.
FAQs
Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12 is a nutritional supplement that consists of Elemental Iron, Folic acid, and Vitamin B12. It works by boosting the production of red blood cells (RBC) in the body. It also helps normalise the low vitamin levels in the body, thus treating nutritional deficiencies and iron deficiency anaemia.
Avoid taking more than one multivitamin product concomitantly unless advised by the doctor. Taking similar nutritional supplements simultaneously can lead to a vitamin overdose or other serious side effects.
Antacids may interfere with the absorption of iron. Hence it is advised to take Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12 two hours before or four hours after taking antacids.
Elemental Iron+folic Acid+vitamin B12 may cause constipation as one of its side effects. Eating fibre rich foods like vegetables, fresh fruits, and cereals and drinking plenty of water can help relieve symptoms.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow your usual dosage. Do not double the dose.
