Table of Contents
What is the full form of IFA tablets?
National program of India had implemented a strategy for supplementation of iron folic acid by means of iron folic acid (IFA) tablets at least 3 months during antenatal period.
When should I start taking IFA tablets during pregnancy?
The equivalent of 60 mg of elemental iron is 300 mg ferrous sulfate heptahydrate, 180 mg ferrous fumarate or 500 mg of ferrous gluconate. Folic acid should be commenced as early as possible (ideally before conception) to prevent neural tube defects.
Is IFA folic acid?
Iron–folic acid (IFA) supplementation during or before pregnancy can effectively reduce the risk of iron deficiency and anemia and improve gestational outcomes (Peña-Rosas and Viteri 2009).
Why do I need folic acid and iron tablets?
Iron and vitamin B help your body produce and maintain healthy red blood cells. Ferrous fumarate and folic acid is a combination medicine used to treat or prevent certain types of anemia (low red blood cells) caused by an iron or folate deficiency.
How long should I take IFAS?
You’re advised to take a daily supplement of folic acid for the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy. If you want to continue beyond this, that’s fine. You can also continue to have a diet rich in folic acid (and other good baby-growing nutrients) by eating fresh green leafy vegetables.
Can a pregnant woman take IFA?
All pregnant women should be counselled on side effects, compliance and safety of IFA supplements. All pregnant women should be counselled on importance of adhering with daily intake of one tablet of Iron/Folic Acid (daily intake of one IFA tablet – 60 mg iron + 400 µg folic acid) for six months.
Can I take IFAS when not pregnant?
For starters, 40 percent of pregnancies across the globe are unplanned. Therefore, taking folic acid if you’re a woman and not pregnant helps ensure you have adequate levels of folate for a developing fetus before you find out you’re pregnant.
What are the symptoms of folic acid deficiency?
Symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
- extreme tiredness.
- a lack of energy.
- pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- a sore and red tongue.
- mouth ulcers.
- muscle weakness.
- disturbed vision.
- psychological problems, which may include depression and confusion.
When is the best time to take IFAS?
Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach (usually if taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals). If stomach upset occurs, you may take this medication with food.
Is the folic acid in Pregnacare enough?
Pregnacare has always contained 400mcg folic acid, the level recommended for all women from the start of trying to conceive until the 12th week of pregnancy….Vitamin & mineral tablets for pregnancy.
| Nutritional Information | Average per tablet | \% EC NRV* |
|---|---|---|
| Folic Acid | 400 µg | 200 |
| Vitamin B12 | 6 µg | 240 |
| Biotin | 150 µg | 300 |