BEFOLVIT 1/MG TAB 30/TAB

Benefits & Uses

Primary Benefit

Supports healthy cell growth, red blood cell formation, and helps prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy.

Health Claims

Contributes to normal red blood cell formation; supports DNA synthesis and cell division; reduces risk of neural tube defects when taken periconceptionally; helps lower elevated homocysteine levels; supports normal maternal tissue growth during pregnancy

Common Deficiency Symptoms

Megaloblastic anemia, fatigue, weakness, mouth sores, tongue inflammation, neural tube defects in newborns, elevated homocysteine levels, cognitive impairment

Target Population

Women of childbearing age and those planning pregnancy, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, individuals with folate deficiency or megaloblastic anemia, patients on folate-depleting medications, individuals with elevated homocysteine

Scientific Evidence Level

Strong

Onset Timeline

Serum folate levels increase within 1-2 weeks; red blood cell folate levels normalize within 4-8 weeks; neural tube defect prevention requires supplementation starting at least 1 month before conception

Usage & Dosage

Suggested Use

Take 1 tablet daily, with or without food

Serving Size

1 tablet

Servings Per Container

30

Best Time to Take

Any time, but may be better absorbed on an empty stomach.

Recommended Daily Intake

Adults: 400mcg/day; Pregnant women: 600mcg/day; Breastfeeding women: 500mcg/day; Women planning pregnancy: 400-800mcg/day

Upper Tolerable Limit

1000mcg (1mg)/day for adults from synthetic sources (folic acid); no established UL for food folate

Absorption Inhibitors

Alcohol reduces folate absorption and increases urinary excretion; antacids and cholestyramine may impair absorption; heat and prolonged cooking destroy dietary folate

Side Effects

Possible Side Effects

Generally well-tolerated at recommended doses; high doses may cause nausea, bloating, flatulence, bitter taste, sleep disturbances, and may mask vitamin B12 deficiency neurological symptoms

Toxicity Risk

Low

Upper Tolerable Limit

1000mcg (1mg)/day for adults from synthetic sources (folic acid); no established UL for food folate

Safety & Warnings

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to folic acid or any excipients; folic acid should not be used as sole therapy in untreated/undiagnosed megaloblastic anemia (including pernicious anemia) because it may mask vitamin B12 deficiency and allow neurologic damage to progress.

Pregnancy Safety

Safe

Breastfeeding Safety

Safe

Children Suitability

Suitable for children under medical supervision; dosing should be adjusted by age and weight - standard adult 1mg dose is not recommended for young children without physician guidance

Interactions

Medication Interactions

Methotrexate antagonizes folate - use with caution; anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproate) reduce folate levels and folic acid may reduce their efficacy; sulfasalazine and trimethoprim inhibit folate metabolism; high-dose folic acid may mask vitamin B12 deficiency-related neurological symptoms

Supplement Interactions

High-dose zinc supplements may impair folate absorption; folic acid at high doses may mask B12 deficiency - co-supplementation with B12 is recommended

Synergistic Nutrients

Vitamin B12 (essential for folate metabolism and methylation cycle); Vitamin B6 (works with folate and B12 to reduce homocysteine); Vitamin C (supports folate retention in tissues)

Special Populations

Target Population

Women of childbearing age and those planning pregnancy, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, individuals with folate deficiency or megaloblastic anemia, patients on folate-depleting medications, individuals with elevated homocysteine

Children Suitability

Suitable for children under medical supervision; dosing should be adjusted by age and weight - standard adult 1mg dose is not recommended for young children without physician guidance

Pregnancy Safety

Safe

Breastfeeding Safety

Safe

Storage & Patient Advice

SFDA Storage Conditions

store below 30°c

Patient Counseling

Take 1 tablet (folic acid 1 mg) by mouth once daily as directed. For women planning pregnancy, start folic acid at least 1 month before conception and continue through the first trimester (or as advised). Do not exceed 1 mg/day unless medically supervised; folic acid can mask vitamin B12 deficiency-do not self-treat unexplained anemia without ruling out B12 deficiency. Tell your healthcare provider if you take antiepileptics (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproate), methotrexate/trimethoprim, or sulfasalazine; limit alcohol as it can reduce folate status.

Science & Evidence

Bioavailability Form

Folic acid (synthetic pteroylmonoglutamic acid) - approximately 85% bioavailable when taken without food, nearly 100% bioavailable when taken with food, compared to ~50% for food folate

Water or Fat Soluble

Water-soluble

Scientific Evidence Level

Strong

Onset Timeline

Serum folate levels increase within 1-2 weeks; red blood cell folate levels normalize within 4-8 weeks; neural tube defect prevention requires supplementation starting at least 1 month before conception

Food Sources

Dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale), legumes (lentils, beans), asparagus, Brussels sprouts, beef liver, and fortified grains (bread, pasta, cereals).

Product Information

Supplement Type

Vitamin

Allergen Info

Contains corn starch; verify excipients with manufacturer for complete allergen profile

Certification

SFDA registered (Registration No. 1807245610); GMP manufactured

Multivitamin Target

Single Nutrient

Nutrient Count

1