Vitamins / Minerals

In man, an exogenous source of folate is required for nucleoprotein synthesis and the maintenance of normal erythropoiesis. Folic acid, whether given by mouth or parenterally, stimulates specifically the production of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in persons suffering from certain megaloblastic anemias.

Iron is irregularly and incompletely absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract, the main sites of absorption being the duodenum and jejunum. Absorption is aided by the acid secretion of the stomach and by some dietary acids and is more readily affected when the iron is in the ferrous state or is part of the haem complex. Absorption is also increased in conditions of iron deficiency or in the fasting state but is decreased if the body stores are overloaded. Only about 5 to 15% of the iron ingested in food is normally absorbed.

Following absorption the majority of iron is bound to transferring and transported to the bone marrow where it is incorporated into haemoglobin; the remainder is contained within the storage forms, ferritin or haemosiderin, or as myoglobin, with smaller amounts occurring in haem-containing enzymes or in plasma bound to transferrin.

Iron polymaltose is used as a source of iron for iron deficiency anaemia. It is given by mouth in doses containing the equivalent of up to 240 mg of iron daily. It is also given parenterally, the total dose being calculated and given by intravenous infusion or preferably, as a series of intramuscular injections containing the equivalent of up to 200 mg of iron in a single day; injections are usually given only every few days.

Folic acid is effective in the treatment of megaloblastic anemias due to a deficiency of folic acid as may be seen in tropical or non-tropical sprue, in anemias of nutritional origin, pregnancy, infancy or childhood.

The usual adult dose for the treatment of iron-deficiency anaemia is 100 to 200 mg of iron daily in divided doses. The usual adult prophylactic dose is 60 to 120 mg of iron daily. There are various recommendations for children’s doses and up to 2 mg of iron per kg body weight three times daily for treatment and 1 mg per kg daily for prophylaxis of iron-deficiency anaemia has been employed. Therapy is generally continued until haemoglobin concentrations reach normal values, which may take some weeks and then for a further 3 months or more to restore body-iron stores.

Folic acid is well absorbed and may be administered orally with satisfactory results except in severe instances of intestinal malabsorption.

Keep in cool, dry place and protect from moisture and light. Store at a temperature of 25°C.