NATIMED

Folic acid is a member of the vitamin B group which is reduced in the body to tetrahydrofolate, a co-enzyme active in several metabolic processes and produces a haemopoietic response in nutritional megaloblastic anaemias. Folic acid is rapidly absorbed and widely distributed in body tissues.

Iodine is an essential trace element in the human diet, necessary for the formation of thyroid hormones and consequently it is used in iodine deficiency and thyroid disorders. It also has antimicrobial activity.

For the prophylaxis and treatment of iodine deficiency disorders it may be given as potassium or sodium iodide, iodised oil, or potassium iodate. In the pre-operative management of hyperthyroidism iodine and iodides are used with antithyroid drugs such as carbimazole, thiamazole, or propylthiouracil.

Iodine has a powerful bactericidal action. It is also active against fungi, viruses, protozoa, cysts, and spores. Iodine is used as an antiseptic and disinfectant generally as a 2% or 2.5% solution.

Hydroxocobalamin is used in the treatment and prevention of Vitamin B12 deficiency. For adults, the daily requirement of Vitamin B12 is probably about 1 to 2 micrograms and this amount is present in most normal diets. However, Vitamin B12 only occurs in animal products, not in vegetables, and therefore strict vegetarian or vegan diets that exclude dairy products may provide an inadequate amount, although a deficiency may not be apparent for many years.