BEFOLVIT 5MG TAB

Benefits & Uses

Primary Benefit

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

Health Claims

Reduces risk of neural tube defects when taken periconceptionally; treats megaloblastic and macrocytic anemia due to folate deficiency; lowers elevated homocysteine levels; supports normal cell division and DNA synthesis

Common Deficiency Symptoms

Megaloblastic anemia, fatigue, weakness, mouth sores, neural tube defects in newborns, elevated homocysteine levels, glossitis, poor growth

Target Population

Women of childbearing age and pregnant women, patients with megaloblastic anemia, individuals on folate-depleting medications (methotrexate, anticonvulsants), patients with malabsorption syndromes, individuals with elevated homocysteine

Scientific Evidence Level

Strong

Usage & Dosage

Suggested Use

Take 1 tablet daily or as directed by a physician

Serving Size

1 tablet

Servings Per Container

30

Recommended Daily Intake

Adults: 400mcg/day; Pregnant women: 400-800mcg/day; Therapeutic doses (megaloblastic anemia, neural tube defect prevention): up to 5mg/day under medical supervision

Upper Tolerable Limit

1000mcg (1mg)/day from synthetic folic acid for adults (note: this product is a therapeutic 5mg dose intended for medical use)

Absorption Inhibitors

Antacids and cholestyramine may reduce absorption; alcohol impairs folate absorption and metabolism; methotrexate and trimethoprim block folate conversion to active form

Side Effects

Toxicity Risk

Low

Upper Tolerable Limit

1000mcg (1mg)/day from synthetic folic acid for adults (note: this product is a therapeutic 5mg dose intended for medical use)

Safety & Warnings

Contraindications

Do not use folic acid alone to treat undiagnosed megaloblastic anemia (possible vitamin B12 deficiency); hypersensitivity to folic acid is also a contraindication.

Pregnancy Safety

Consult Doctor

Breastfeeding Safety

Safe

Children Suitability

High dose (5mg) should only be used under medical supervision.

Interactions

Medication Interactions

Methotrexate antagonizes folic acid; phenytoin, carbamazepine, and valproate reduce folate levels and folic acid may reduce their efficacy; trimethoprim and pyrimethamine inhibit folate metabolism; sulfasalazine impairs folate absorption

Supplement Interactions

High-dose folic acid can mask vitamin B12 deficiency - always assess B12 status; zinc absorption may be slightly reduced at very high folic acid doses

Synergistic Nutrients

Vitamin B12 (required for folate to enter cells and function); Vitamin B6 (works with folate and B12 to reduce homocysteine); Vitamin C (supports folate stability and metabolism)

Special Populations

Target Population

Women of childbearing age and pregnant women, patients with megaloblastic anemia, individuals on folate-depleting medications (methotrexate, anticonvulsants), patients with malabsorption syndromes, individuals with elevated homocysteine

Children Suitability

High dose (5mg) should only be used under medical supervision.

Pregnancy Safety

Consult Doctor

Breastfeeding Safety

Safe

Storage & Patient Advice

SFDA Storage Conditions

store below 30°c

Patient Counseling

BEFOLVIT (folic acid) 5 mg tablet is a high-dose folate product (OTC) intended for specific indications; take only as directed and do not self-treat anemia without medical evaluation. Ensure vitamin B12 deficiency is excluded/treated before or during use because folic acid can correct anemia while allowing B12-related neuropathy to progress. Take consistently (with or without food) and inform your clinician/pharmacist about interacting medicines (e.g., antiepileptics such as phenytoin/phenobarbital/primidone, sulfasalazine, trimethoprim, cholestyramine; methotrexate use requires prescriber guidance on folate/folinic acid). For pregnancy: routine prevention is 0.4 mg/day; 5 mg/day is reserved for high-risk situations under clinician direction (typically started preconception). Store below 30°C.

Science & Evidence

Bioavailability Form

Folic acid (pteroylmonoglutamic acid) - synthetic form with approximately 85% bioavailability when taken with food and nearly 100% on an empty stomach, higher than naturally occurring food folate (~50%)

Water or Fat Soluble

Water-soluble

Scientific Evidence Level

Strong

Product Information

Supplement Type

Vitamin

Multivitamin Target

Single Nutrient

Nutrient Count

1