Nutrifol is a tablet manufactured and marketed by Rhines Biogenics private limited which constitutes of 5g of folic acid and 750mcg of methylcobalamin as active ingredients in each tablet. Nutrifol has proven effective in the treatment, control and prevention of a wide range of diseases and symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. Skeletal remains show that the plant fed humans were a head shorter than meat eating hunters, prone to anaemia, infectious diseases, rotten teeth and none disorders— Karen Armstrong

Methylcobalamin is the activated form of vitamin B12 which is employed in the treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency. Over the years, it has been used in the treatment of certain nutritional diseases and as an accessory agent in the regeneration of injured nerves caused by nerve injuries. In recent studies, methylcobalamin has been seen to possess analgesic properties(painkillers).

Studies has shown that low amount of vitamin B12 with normal folate level may cause impaired
cognitive functioning and anaemia while high folate level and normal amount of vitamin B12 may improve cognitive function.

Major Forms of Vitamin B12

Cyanocobalamin: It is the unnatural and synthetic form of vitamin B12.
Methylcobalamin: This is the most active form of vitamin B12 in the body. It is one of the
constituents of Nutrifol tablet.
Hydroxycobalamin: It is produced naturally through bacteria fermentation. It is the major type
found in food.
Adenosylcobalamin: It is the intrinsic form of vitamin B12. It is difficult to stabilize for use in
supplements.

WHAT DOES VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY ENTAIL?

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a form of anaemia and nervous system injury caused by the absence of
vitamin B12 in the body or by presence of much lower amount of vitamin B12 than the body needs for
proper functioning. It could either be congenital or as a result of poor absorption of vitamin B12 by
the body. If left untreated, can cause damage to the brain, nerves, spine and in extreme cases can
lead to death. It presents itself through the following signs and symptoms:

Blood disorders such as anaemia
Fatigue
Mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Tingling in the feet and sometimes fingers
Poor balance
Shortness of breath, etc

Mechanism of Action of Nutrifol

Nutrifol is a combination of folic acid and methylcobalamin, which work together to elicit the needed pharmacological effect in the body. They undergo different mechanisms of action but act concomitantly to elicit the needed effect in the body.

Folic acid acts by stimulating DNA synthesis and production of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Methylcobalamin on the other hand acts by enhancing production of myelin which serves as a covering and protection for the nerve fibres. It also acts by rejuvenating damaged neuron caused by nerve injury.

Nutrifol tablet works by acting on megaloblastic bone marrow to produce normoblastic marrow. It
also works in the recovery process of damaged nerve cell.

Uses of Nutrifol

Nutrifol is used in the treatment of megaloblastic anaemia, a form of anaemia characterised by
enlarged red blood cells.
It is also used in the treatment of nerve damage
It is used in the treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Poor food absorption
It is used in treating numbness and tingling
It is used in treatment of pregnancy or childhood related anaemia.
It is also used in treatment of diabetic neuropathy and peripheral neuropathy.
Atrophic lateral sclerosis

Side Effects of Nutrifol

All drugs when taken have side effects, some side effects more severe than the others. The following are side effects that may likely appear as a result of taking nutrifol: Anorexia, nausea vomiting, headache, itching, skin rashes, increased perspiration, gastrointestinal discomfort, flatulence, impaired memory, bronchospasm, tachycardia, hot sensation, cardiac arrhythmia, allergic reactions,
seizures in epileptic patients receiving treatment with phenobarbital, etc. There are several other side effects not listed here and it’s advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist when a patient using Nutrifol notices these symptoms.

Contradications and Caution

When administering Nutrifol, caution must be exercised in patients with the following conditions.
Patients with allergic reactions, seizure disorders, history of liver disease and kidney dialysis, long term infection, patience with lack of tolerance. Caution should also be exercised in administering the drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding as methylcobalamin has proven to be unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding as it has the ability to cross the Placenta Brain Barrier (PBB) .

It is also contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any of the constituents. In cases where a dose has been missed, an extra dose should not be taken to make up it. The prescription should be followed as it was given by the doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interaction

Nutrifol may elicit certain adverse reactions in the body when used concomitantly with other drugs or substances. These reactions may vary from mild to severe and as such, patients are advised to avoid the concomitant use of Nutrifol with the following drugs:
Barbiturates, nitrofurantoin, aminosalicylic acid, alcohol, phenytoin, sulphanamide, H2 blockers,
chloramphenicol, methotrexate, diphenylhydrantoin, antibiotics, colchicine.

Dosage of Nutrifol

The standard dose for Nutrifol is one tablet daily to be taken by mouth with or without food as
prescribed by a licensed medical personnel. Self medication should be avoided.

STORAGE

Nutrifol tablet should be stored at room temperature between 15–25°C, away from direct sunlight inorder to prevent degradation of the product by light and moisture.

Nutrifol: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects