NEOPHOLIC META 0.4 mg. 90 tablets, Spina bifida

L-methylfolate is the active form of folic acid, which participates as a coenzyme in the biosynthesis of amino acids and nucleic acid bases.

Folic acid deficiency leads to disorders in the construction and development of cells in the human body, which causes defects in the construction of the neural tube of the fetus and causes the appearance of spina bifida. Folic acid deficiency also causes disorders in the hematopoietic system, which clinically manifests as macrocytic anemia.

Folic acid in the body performs its functions only after it is converted into L-methylfolate. Until then, it is not active and has no biological effect. The conversion of folic acid to L-methylfolate is a complex and multi-stage process that cannot occur in 12% of pregnant women due to a genetic enzyme defect.

Therefore, in these women there is a risk of giving birth to a child with spina bifida despite taking folic acid, while taking NEOPHOLIC META eliminates this risk.
NEOPHOLIC META is a food supplement intended for pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy in the next 3 months, as well as for people taking folic acid from food in a dose lower than their daily needs. Proper and regular use of NEOFOLIC META promotes the normal course of pregnancy and significantly reduces the risk of developing spina bifida in the newborn, as well as other congenital anomalies.

What is SPINA BIFIDA?

Spina bifida is a serious congenital defect of the spine. This defect affects the spinal cord, vertebrae, muscles and skin that make up the spine. This defect occurs during the formation of the brain and spinal cord in the fourth week of pregnancy, ie. six weeks of the last menstrual cycle. In most cases, this happens before the woman realizes that she is pregnant.

Depending on the severity of the spina bifida, the defect may be visible on the newborn's back, but in milder cases no visible anatomical changes are observed. The most severe forms, representing a fully open spine, are incompatible with life. In milder forms, there may be constant weakness in the legs, decreased sensitivity and difficulty walking. These forms often lead to disability. The mildest forms occur with symptoms of urination and difficulty in defecation control.

Any woman can give birth to a child with spina bifida, even in cases where there is no evidence of such a defect in the family history of the parents. Approximately 1 in 1,000 babies is born with spina bifida and another 1 in 1,000 babies is born with another neural tube defect. Taking 0.4 milligrams of folic acid 1 month before pregnancy and during the first three months of pregnancy reduces the risk of spina bifida by up to 80%.

Do not take NEOFOLIC META if:

• You have ever had an allergic reaction to L-methylfolate, folic acid or some of the other ingredients in the tablet. The most common symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling of the lips and face, shortness of breath. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

Consult your doctor if:
• You were born with spina bifida
• You have had a previous abnormal pregnancy that resulted in your baby being born with spina bifida or another congenital neural tube defect
• You suffer from epilepsy treated with phenobarbital, phenytoin or pyrimidone
• You are taking medicines that suppress the metabolism of folic acid - methotrexate, trimethoprim or reduce its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract - contraceptives, anticonvulsants
• You have had surgery to resect your small intestine

These conditions require the intake of higher doses of folic acid.

How to take NEOPHOLIC META?

The body's daily requirement of folic acid is 0.2 milligrams (200 micrograms). During pregnancy, this need increases. The dose of 0.4 milligrams is established in world practice as a sufficient daily dose to compensate for the increased needs of pregnant women for folic acid. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, take 1 tablet of NEOPHOLIC META daily. Do not miss a daily intake. To avoid missing your daily dose, make taking NEOPHOLIC META part of your daily routine. The daily intake of NEOPHOLIC META should not exceed 2 tablets.

When to start?

Due to the normal course of pregnancy and the reduction of the risk of developing spina bifida in the newborn, it is recommended that NEOFOLIC META be started at least 1 month before pregnancy and continued for the first three months of pregnancy. If pregnancy is not planned, start taking NEOFOLIC META as soon as it is established. As it is difficult to predict the beginning of pregnancy, it is recommended that every woman who is likely to become pregnant take 1 tablet of NEOFOLIC META every day.

Possible side effects

L-methylfolate taken orally is not toxic to humans. This does not mean that its overdose is harmless. Prolonged use of L-methylfolate in very high doses can lead to unpredictable and unwanted side effects. Therefore, it is recommended that the daily dose does not exceed 1 milligram or 2 tablets of NEOFOLIC META , unless a higher dose is prescribed by your doctor.
In very rare cases, intolerance to L-methylfolate or other tablet excipients has been observed. If you notice rash, itching, swelling of the lips and face or shortness of breath after taking NEOFOLIC META , stop taking the medicine and consult your doctor.

Contraindications

In leukemia, except in cases where treatment of folic acid deficiency is required.