FOLIC ACID + BENFOTIAMINE + ALPHA LIPOIC ACID + INOSITOL + MECOBALAMIN + VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE)
Folic Acid: Drug: Folic Acid
Folic acid, also known as folate or vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for the formation of DNA, red blood cells, and various other bodily functions. It is available both as a prescription medication and as an over-the-counter supplement.
Use:
Folic acid is primarily used to treat or prevent folate deficiency. It is often prescribed to pregnant women to prevent neural tube defects in their unborn babies. Folic acid is also used in the treatment of anemia caused by folate deficiency, as well as for certain gastrointestinal disorders that hinder the absorption of folate from the diet.
Mechanism of Action:
Folic acid plays a vital role in the synthesis of DNA and RNA. It is involved in the production and repair of DNA, as well as the production of red blood cells. Folic acid helps in the conversion of homocysteine, an amino acid, into methionine, another amino acid essential for many biological processes.
Dose:
The daily recommended dose of folic acid varies depending on the individual and the specific medical condition being treated. In general, the recommended daily dose for adults is 400-800 micrograms. Pregnant women may require higher doses as prescribed by their healthcare provider.
Side Effects:
Folic acid is generally considered safe when taken at recommended doses. Most people tolerate it well with minimal side effects. However, some individuals may experience:
1. Nausea or vomiting
2. Diarrhea
3. Upset stomach
4. Bloating
5. Sleep disturbances
In rare cases, high doses of folic acid may cause allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, or breathing difficulties. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting folic acid supplementation or if any side effects are experienced.
Note: Folic acid supplements should not replace a balanced diet or other necessary medications. It is always advisable to discuss the appropriate dosage and duration with a healthcare provider.
Benfotiamine: Benfotiamine is a synthetic derivative of thiamine (vitamin B1) that is used as a dietary supplement. It is primarily used for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy and other complications associated with diabetes.
The exact mechanism of action of benfotiamine is not fully understood. However, it is believed that it helps increase the levels of thiamine diphosphate (TDP) in the body, which is the active form of vitamin B1. TDP plays a crucial role in various metabolic pathways, including the metabolism of glucose. By increasing its levels, benfotiamine may help improve glucose metabolism and reduce diabetic complications.
The recommended dose of benfotiamine varies depending on the condition being treated. For diabetic neuropathy, it is commonly prescribed at a dose of 150-300 mg per day. It is typically taken orally, with or without food.
Overall, benfotiamine is safe and well-tolerated. Most commonly reported side effects include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and stomach upset. In rare cases, allergic reactions may occur. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or supplement to ensure it is appropriate for your individual needs.
Alpha Lipoic Acid: Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring compound that is found in the body. It is also available as a dietary supplement and is commonly used for its antioxidant properties.
ALA is used for various health purposes, including treating diabetic neuropathy, reducing symptoms of nerve damage caused by diabetes, and improving insulin sensitivity. It is also used as a supplement for its potential benefits in reducing inflammation, protecting against oxidative stress, and supporting overall cardiovascular health. Some research suggests that ALA may have potential anti-aging properties as well.
The mechanism of action of ALA involves its role as a potent antioxidant. It works in both water-soluble and lipid-soluble environments, which allows it to neutralize free radicals in different parts of the body and protect against oxidative damage. Additionally, ALA can regenerate other antioxidants like vitamins C and E, making them more effective in their roles.
The recommended dose of ALA varies depending on the specific condition being treated. For diabetic neuropathy, a common starting dose is between 600-1200 mg per day, divided into multiple doses. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for individualized dosing instructions.
Side effects of ALA are generally mild and rare. They may include nausea, stomach discomfort, and skin rash. In rare cases, allergic reactions have been reported. ALA may also interact with certain medications or supplements, so it is important to inform your healthcare provider of all the medications and supplements you are taking before starting ALA.
It is worth noting that while ALA is generally safe for most people, it might not be suitable for everyone, especially pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with thiamine deficiency, or those with low blood sugar levels. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.
Inositol: Inositol, also known as myoinositol, is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that is sometimes classified as a vitamin-like substance. It is found in many foods, particularly in fruits, nuts, and seeds. Inositol is often used as a dietary supplement for various health conditions.
One of the primary uses of inositol is for addressing mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is believed to help stabilize and balance mood by affecting the balance of certain chemicals in the brain, particularly serotonin. Inositol may also improve insulin sensitivity and has been studied for its potential benefits in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and metabolic disorders.
The mechanism of action of inositol is not completely understood. However, it is thought to work by influencing signaling pathways involved in neurotransmitter release and cellular response to hormones. Inositol may also have structural roles in lipid membranes and play a role in cell regulation.
The appropriate dose of inositol depends on the specific health condition being addressed. For mental health disorders, a common range is between 12 to 18 grams per day, divided into multiple doses. For PCOS, doses of 2 to 4 grams per day have been used. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for individual circumstances.
In general, inositol is considered safe when used as directed. However, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. These side effects are usually mild and transient. Inositol may also interact with certain medications, so it is important to inform a healthcare professional about all current medications and medical conditions before starting inositol supplementation.
It is worth noting that while inositol supplements are generally well-tolerated, the evidence supporting their effectiveness for various health conditions is still limited. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of inositol supplementation.
Mecobalamin: Mecobalamin, also known as methylcobalamin, is a form of vitamin B12 that is commonly used as a dietary supplement. It is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B12 and plays a crucial role in the production of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and proper functioning of the nervous system.
Mecobalamin is primarily used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency, which can occur due to various factors such as poor diet, malabsorption disorders, or certain medical conditions. It is also used in the treatment of certain neurological disorders, including peripheral neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The mechanism of action of mecobalamin involves its conversion to coenzyme B12, which is then utilized by various enzymes in the body. It participates in the methylation of homocysteine to methionine, which is essential for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Mecobalamin also supports the myelin sheath around nerves, promoting proper nerve function.
The usual recommended dose of mecobalamin varies depending on the specific condition being treated. For vitamin B12 deficiency, a common oral dose is 1,000-2,000 mcg per day. In some cases, intramuscular injections may be required.
Side effects of mecobalamin are generally rare and mild. Some possible side effects that may occur include gastrointestinal upset (such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea), headache, dizziness, and mild skin rash. These side effects are usually transient and subside on their own.
It is important to note that mecobalamin should not be used in individuals with known allergies to vitamin B12 or cobalt. Also, if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting mecobalamin to ensure its safety and efficacy.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins and is essential for the proper functioning of the body. It is naturally found in foods such as meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, and fruits. However, it can also be taken as a dietary supplement.
The primary use of vitamin B6 is to treat or prevent vitamin B6 deficiency. It is also prescribed for various medical conditions such as certain types of anemia, nerve problems (neuropathy), high levels of homocysteine in the blood, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), morning sickness during pregnancy, and some types of seizures.
The exact mechanism of action of vitamin B6 is not fully understood. However, it plays a crucial role in various metabolic reactions in the body. It is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Additionally, it is necessary for the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
The recommended daily dose of vitamin B6 varies depending on the age, gender, and specific medical condition being treated. The typical adult dose ranges from 1.3 to 2.0 mg per day. However, higher doses may be prescribed for certain conditions. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by a healthcare professional or as instructed on the product label.
Most people tolerate vitamin B6 well when taken in recommended doses. However, excessive intake of vitamin B6 beyond the recommended levels can lead to toxicity. Common side effects of high-dose vitamin B6 supplementation include nerve damage, numbness or tingling in the extremities (peripheral neuropathy), photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight), nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, and sleep disturbances.
Vitamin B6 may also interact with certain medications. It can decrease the effectiveness of levodopa (a medication used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease) and increase the risk of side effects. Additionally, it may interact with certain antibiotics, antiepileptic drugs, and medications used to treat tuberculosis. Therefore, it is important to inform a healthcare professional about all medications being taken before starting vitamin B6 supplementation.
It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting or changing any vitamin B6 supplementation or dosage, especially for individuals with specific medical conditions or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
