Pep Plus

Clinically Approved and Accepted Uses

• Combined Deficiency of B Vitamins and Zinc
  For prevention and treatment of dietary or disease-induced deficiencies in B-complex vitamins and zinc due to chronic illness, poor nutrition, malabsorption, or gastrointestinal disorders.
• Immune Support and Infection Recovery
  Enhances immune function and shortens the duration and severity of infections including respiratory tract infections and the common cold.
• Skin, Hair, and Nail Disorders
  Used for acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, alopecia, brittle nails, and eczema associated with micronutrient deficiency.
• Neurological Support
  Beneficial in diabetic neuropathy, alcoholic neuropathy, neuralgia, and other peripheral nerve disorders due to the neuroprotective role of B1, B6, B12 and zinc.
• Anemia and Hematologic Support
  B9 (folic acid) and B12 (cyanocobalamin) support red blood cell formation and are useful in managing megaloblastic anemia.
• Wound Healing and Post-operative Recovery
  Supports collagen formation, tissue repair, and faster healing in trauma, burns, or surgery.
• Pregnancy, Lactation, and Growth Support
  Supplement for pregnant or lactating women and growing children to meet increased nutritional needs and support fetal or developmental growth.
• Fatigue, Stress, and Cognitive Decline
  Helps in managing mental fatigue, stress-induced vitamin depletion, and age-related cognitive changes.

Route: Oral (tablet, capsule, syrup, or drop)

Adults:

• Thiamine (B1): 1.1–1.5 mg
• Riboflavin (B2): 1.1–1.6 mg
• Niacinamide (B3): 14–20 mg
• Pantothenic acid (B5): 5–10 mg
• Pyridoxine (B6): 2–10 mg (up to 100 mg in neuropathy)
• Biotin (B7): 30–100 µg
• Folic acid (B9): 400 µg
• Cyanocobalamin (B12): 2.4–6 µg
• Zinc (as zinc sulfate or gluconate): 15–22 mg elemental zinc daily

Pediatrics:

• Adjusted by age and weight. Example:
• 1–3 years: Zinc 5 mg
• 4–8 years: Zinc 10 mg
• Pediatric B-vitamin dosing per RDA

Elderly:

Same as adults; monitor for absorption issues or drug interactions.

Renal/Hepatic Impairment:

Caution in moderate to severe renal or hepatic dysfunction. Dose adjustment may be needed for B6 and zinc.

Duration:

Typically 2–12 weeks or as long as clinically required.

Vitamin B Complex acts as a group of water-soluble coenzymes involved in various biochemical pathways including energy production, DNA synthesis, and nervous system function. B1 facilitates nerve conduction and carbohydrate metabolism; B6 supports neurotransmitter synthesis; B9 and B12 are essential for DNA formation and red blood cell production. Zinc is crucial for the activity of over 300 enzymes involved in cellular replication, wound healing, immune modulation, and antioxidant protection. Together, they restore depleted micronutrients, enhance immunity, support nerve function, and promote tissue regeneration.

• Absorption:
  B-vitamins are absorbed in the small intestine via active or passive transport. Zinc is absorbed mainly in the jejunum.
• Distribution:
  B12 is stored in the liver; other B-vitamins circulate freely. Zinc is distributed in muscles, bone, and skin.
• Metabolism:
  B-vitamins are converted to active coenzyme forms in the liver. Zinc is not metabolized.
• Excretion:
  Excess B-vitamins are excreted renally. Zinc is eliminated via feces, urine, and sweat.
• Half-life:
  B-complex vitamins: short half-lives (hours to days)
  B12: long half-life (several days to weeks)
  Zinc: ~12–24 hours

• Pregnancy:
  Generally considered safe when used at recommended daily doses. Folic acid (B9) is essential for neural tube development. Zinc supports fetal growth and placental function.
• Lactation:
  Safe at recommended doses. B-complex vitamins and zinc pass into breast milk in beneficial amounts.
• Caution:
  Avoid excessive doses (e.g., B6 >100 mg/day or zinc >40 mg/day) unless medically advised.

• Primary Class:
  Nutritional Supplement
• Sub-classification:
• Water-soluble vitamin preparation
• Multivitamin with trace element (zinc)

• Known hypersensitivity to any vitamin B component or zinc salt
• Wilson's disease (zinc may worsen copper imbalance)
• Severe renal failure (risk of vitamin B6 and zinc accumulation)
• Copper deficiency (prolonged high-dose zinc may aggravate)

• High-dose B6 (pyridoxine): May cause sensory neuropathy if >100 mg/day over long periods
• Chronic zinc supplementation: May cause copper deficiency, anemia, or neutropenia
• Renal or hepatic impairment: Monitor dosage and accumulation
• Pediatric use: Ensure correct dosing to avoid overdose
• Monitor for allergic reactions or intolerance

Common (usually mild):

• Nausea
• Metallic taste (zinc)
• Diarrhea or mild abdominal discomfort
• Headache

Serious (rare):

• Peripheral neuropathy (long-term high-dose B6)
• Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, urticaria)
• Anemia or leukopenia (chronic high-dose zinc)

Dose-dependent:

Higher doses of pyridoxine and zinc increase risk of neuropathy and gastrointestinal effects.

• Phenytoin, isoniazid, oral contraceptives: Reduce B6, B9, or B12 levels
• Tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones: Zinc reduces antibiotic absorption—space dosing by 2–3 hours
• Antacids, calcium, iron supplements: Interfere with zinc absorption
• Alcohol and chronic illness: Deplete B-complex reserves
• Methotrexate, sulfasalazine: Interact with folic acid—supplementation advised

• WHO and UNICEF: Zinc and B-vitamin supplementation recommended in childhood diarrhea, immune deficiencies, and malnutrition
• CDC and ACOG: Continued emphasis on folic acid and B12 supplementation during preconception and pregnancy
• Recent clinical use: Supportive use in post-viral fatigue syndromes and immune boosting

• Temperature: Store between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)
• Humidity: Keep in a dry place
• Light: Protect from direct light and heat
• Formulation-specific:
• Syrup: Shake well before use
• Tablets/Capsules: Keep in original blister or container
• General: Keep out of reach of children. Do not refrigerate unless indicated by manufacturer.