Bifolic

It is a dietary supplement containing folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin C helpful for all women in the periconceptional period for the proper development of the fetus and the prevention of neural tube defects.

It is recommended that all women planning a pregnancy, or who do not actively exclude the possibility, regularly take at least 0.4 mg per day of folic acid to reduce the risk of birth defects. Such supplementation should be started at least 1 month before conception and should continue at least throughout the first trimester of pregnancy.

Bifolic ensure proper supplementation of folic acid, which contributes to the growth of maternal tissues during pregnancy and intervenes in the process of cell division. Vitamin B12 occurs in the process of cell division while vitamin C has antioxidant properties and is necessary to the transformation of folic acid to its active form.

The high cellular turnover that occurs in pregnancy, necessary to the rapid growth of tissue and to the losses through the milk, determines a greater demand for folic acid.

The regular folic acid supplementation started before conception reduces the risk of neural tube defects by 50-70%. This supplementation may also reduce the risk of other birth defects in their entirety (reduction by 10-20 %) including some relatively common as congenital heart disease (ventricular septal defect, tetralogy of fallot, transposition of the great vessels full) and the cleft lip and palate.

Folic acid may also be given for prolonged periods, as there were no reported adverse effects if not exceeded the dose of 1 mg per day.

Bifolic contains the recommended dose of folic acid and vitamins C and B12 to 100% of the LARN (Levels of intake of Nutrient Reference) for pregnancy.

The stability of certified Bifolic is 36 months.

Dosage: Take one tablet daily in the periconceptional period unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Packing: 30 tablets

Storage: Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to sources of localized heat, direct sunlight and contact with water. The expiration date refers to the product properly stored. Do not dispose into the environment after use.

Warnings: Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Keep out of the reach of children under 3 years old. Dietary supplements are not intended as a substitute for diet, therefore it is recommended to follow a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Ingredients: Carbohydrates, vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin B12

MEDIA ANALYSIS
for 100 g for 1 tab. % VNR * for tab.
Vitamin C 28,57 g 100  µg 125
Folic acid 114,286 mg 400,0  µg 200
Vitamin B12  0,74 mg 2,6  µg 104

* VNR Nutritional daily reference under Reg. (EU) n.1169 / 2011.

MINISTERIAL GUIDELINES

The official website of the Ministry of Health states that “all of neural tube defects can be effectively prevented by taking folic acid in childbearing” (November 18, 2004).

The folic acid supplementation should be started at least 1 month before conception and should continue at least throughout the first trimester of pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects as the most common and serious birth defects occur between conception and l’ 8 °-12° weeks of gestation. It should also be pointed out that to achieve maximum blood concentrations of folate are required at least three weeks of intake (Truswell 1997).

 

STUDIES

In the ’80s were conducted the first studies that have shown the efficacy of folic acid supplementation in the primary prevention of anencephaly, spina bifida, meningocele.

In the ‘90s observational studies have also noted the reduction of risk for other birth defects such as heart disease, cleft lip and palate, urinary tract defects and anal atresia.

It is estimated that in italy is around 650,000 the total number of spontaneous pregnancies , planned and assisted reproduction cycles.

A recent study conducted in different italian regions, has calculated that only 6% of women surveyed had properly taken vitamin supplementation in pregnancy.