Folic Acid Tablet Uses

Folic Acid tablet is used as a supplement to address vitamin deficiencies and support overall health. It is a synthetic form of B vitamin folate that plays a particularly important role in the formation of red blood cells and the development of the brain and spinal cord in fetuses. Following are some common and off-label uses of Folic Acid tablets:

Common Uses of Folic Acid Tablet

1. Pregnancy: Folic acid is important during pregnancy to support the growth and development of the fetus. It can help to prevent birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine, such as spina bifida when taken before and during early pregnancy.
2. Anemia: Folic acid tablet is used to treat or prevent anemia, a condition in which there is a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. Folic acid is important for the production of red blood cells and can help to improve symptoms of anemia.
3. Heart Disease: Folic acid tablets can help to reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
4. Depression: Folic acid tablets may help to improve symptoms of depression, especially in people who have low levels of folate in their blood.

Off-label Uses of Folic Acid Tablets

1. Improving cognitive function in older adults: Folic acid tablets have been shown to improve cognitive function in older adults, including memory, attention, and processing speed.
2. Preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) AMD is a leading cause of blindness in older adults. Folic acid tablets may help to prevent AMD by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
3. Reducing the risk of colorectal cancer: Folic acid tablets may help to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by reducing the growth of polyps, which are precancerous growths.
4. Improving fertility in men and women: Folic acid tablets may help to improve fertility in men and women by increasing sperm count and quality and improving egg quality.

The Brand Folic Acid tablet is one of the leading brands in this category, manufactured and marketed by Zafa Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.

Presently, Folic Acid is available in tablet form.

Folic Acid Tablet : 5mg strength

Folic acid tablets are generally safe for most people to take. However, there are a few contraindications to taking folic acid tablets, including:

• Allergy or Hypersensitivity: Individuals who are allergic to folic acid or any of the ingredients in the folic acid tablet should not take it. Allergic reactions may include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Folic acid supplementation can mask the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, leading to neurological damage. It’s important to address vitamin B12 deficiency separately if present.
• Certain Cancers: In some cases, folic acid supplementation may be contraindicated in individuals with certain types of cancer, especially those sensitive to folate.
• Seizure Disorders: There is some evidence that high doses of folic acid may lower the seizure threshold in individuals with seizure disorders. Caution is advised in such cases.
• Kidney Dysfunction: Individuals with kidney dysfunction or impaired kidney function may need dosage adjustments, as folic acid is excreted by the kidneys. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended in these cases.
• Methotrexate Therapy: Folic acid supplementation can interfere with the effectiveness of methotrexate, a medication used in certain medical conditions, including cancer and autoimmune diseases. It is important to follow healthcare provider guidance regarding the timing and dosages of folic acid when used in conjunction with methotrexate.
• Pernicious Anemia: Folic acid supplementation should not be used as a sole treatment for pernicious anemia, a type of anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Malabsorption Syndromes: Individuals with malabsorption syndromes, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, may have difficulty absorbing folic acid. Adjustments in dosage or other forms of supplementation may be necessary.

The recommended daily dose of Folic Acid depends on age and other factors.

Folic Acid Dose for Adults: 500 micrograms (mcg) of synthetic Folic Acid each day.

Folic Acid Dose for Pregnant Women or Trying to Become Pregnant: 600-800 mcg per day to help ensure adequate folate levels during pregnancy.

Additionally, women who are breastfeeding may require higher doses as well as those with certain medical conditions such as anemia or kidney disease, your doctor can advise you if this applies to you.

Folic acid works by being converted into its active form, methyltetrahydrofolate (MTHF). Once in the blood, folate is converted to tetrahydrofolate (THF), then it helps in a number of metabolic processes, including:

• DNA synthesis: THF is required for the synthesis of DNA, the genetic material of cells.
• Protein synthesis: THF is required for the synthesis of proteins, which are the building blocks of cells and tissues.
• Red blood cell production: THF is required for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.
• Amino acid metabolism: THF is involved in the metabolism of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.

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