Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy prevention and treatment)
Supportive therapy for:
Pregnancy and lactation to meet increased micronutrient demands
Malnutrition and malabsorption syndromes
Chronic illnesses causing vitamin and mineral depletion
Clinically accepted off-label uses: treatment of peripheral neuropathy, certain anemias, and to improve general nutritional status.
Dosage & Administration
Adults:
Oral administration, typically once daily.
Typical daily doses (may vary by formulation):
Elemental Iron: 30–60 mg
Folic Acid: 400–800 mcg
Vitamin B complex (varies per B vitamin, e.g., B1 1.1–1.5 mg, B6 1.3–2 mg, B12 2.4 mcg, etc.)
Vitamin C: 60–100 mg
Pregnant women:
Iron 30–60 mg elemental daily
Folic acid 400–600 mcg daily
B vitamins and vitamin C at recommended dietary allowances
Pediatrics:
Dose adjusted according to age and weight; specific pediatric formulations available.
Elderly:
Similar to adults; monitor for tolerance and absorption issues.
Renal/Hepatic Impairment:
Use with caution; no specific dose adjustment but monitor closely.
Administration:
Oral route; preferably taken with meals to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
Vitamin C enhances iron absorption; co-administration improves efficacy.
Avoid concurrent intake with calcium, antacids, or dairy products which may impair absorption.
Mechanism of Action (MOA)
Iron replenishes body stores vital for hemoglobin synthesis and oxygen transport.
Folic acid supports DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
Vitamin B complex plays diverse roles in energy metabolism, nerve function, red blood cell production, and DNA/RNA synthesis.
Vitamin C enhances iron absorption by reducing ferric to ferrous iron and acts as an antioxidant, supporting immune defense and collagen synthesis. Together, these micronutrients correct deficiencies, promote hematologic health, improve neurological function, and enhance immune response.
Pharmacokinetics
Iron: Absorbed mainly in the duodenum; bioavailability influenced by iron form and dietary factors. Transported by transferrin; stored as ferritin or hemosiderin; eliminated mostly via mucosal cell loss and minor excretion.
Folic Acid: Absorbed in the small intestine, converted intracellularly to active forms; excreted primarily in urine.
Vitamin B Complex: Each B vitamin has distinct absorption and metabolism; generally absorbed in the small intestine, transported in plasma, metabolized in liver, and excreted mainly via urine.
Vitamin C: Rapidly absorbed in the small intestine; distributed widely in tissues; water-soluble and excreted in urine.
Pregnancy Category & Lactation
Considered safe within recommended dietary doses.
Folic acid and iron supplementation is standard during pregnancy to prevent anemia and fetal neural tube defects.
Vitamin B complex and vitamin C are generally safe at recommended doses.
Caution to avoid excessive doses beyond recommended levels.
Components pass into breast milk at low levels; generally considered safe during breastfeeding.
Therapeutic Class
Multivitamin and mineral nutritional supplement
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to any component.
Hemochromatosis or other iron overload conditions.
Unexplained anemia without proper diagnosis.
Warnings & Precautions
Iron can cause gastrointestinal irritation; keep out of reach of children due to toxicity risk.
Monitor hematologic parameters during prolonged use.
Use caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.
Vitamin B6 in high doses over long term may cause neuropathy.