Neopholic Iodine 

WHAT IS NEOPHOLIC IODINE AND WHAT IS IT USED FOR?

NEOPHOLIC IODINE is a supplement containing 400 micrograms of folic acid and 200 micrograms of iodine and is intended for pregnant women.

The combination of folic acid and iodine is recommended for prevention purposes during pregnancy by the official health authorities in a number of European countries.

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin (vitamin B9) involved in the biosynthesis of amino acids, RNA, and DNA. Folic acid has a key role in the formation and development of cells and vital structures during the embryonic development of the human body. This mostly concerns the embryo’s neural tube, which will later differentiate into the spinal cord and the brain. Low folic acid levels in the mother’s body are a risk factor for the formation of neural tube defects in the embryo, the most common of which is spina bifida.

Supplementation with 400 μg folic acid daily for one month before gestation and three months afterwards ensures an optimum beneficial effect, because the embryo’s neural tube is formed in this period.

Folic acid also plays a very important role in the formation and metabolism of erythrocytes (red blood cells), which supply oxygen and energy to all tissues and organs of the body.

Iodine is also very important for the normal progress of pregnancy, especially during the first three months. As a component of thyroid hormones, iodine is vital for a number of processes, including growth, development of the brain and the peripheral nervous system, organ formation, and regulation of embryonic metabolism. Iodine levels during pregnancy must be maintained within the optimum ranges, as the baby is supplied with iodine solely from the mother’s body.

According to a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), the average daily dietary intake of iodine during pregnancy is insufficient. Therefore, the WHO recommends an additional intake of iodine to ensure adequate levels in the mother’s body.

NEOPHOLIC IODINE is a dietary supplement intended for pregnant women in their first trimester. The correct and regular intake of NEOPHOLIC IODINE facilitates the normal progress of pregnancy, the formation of a healthy and proper neural tube of the fetus, and the adequate development of the baby’s tissues and organs. It also significantly reduces the risk of spina bifida in babies.

NEOPHOLIC IODINE is beneficial not only for the newborn baby, but also for the mother’s health by:

• Supporting the production of blood and blood cells in the female body. (This process is of paramount importance during pregnancy when the needs of the body are much higher.)
• Supporting the function of the immune system.
• Supporting recovery processes in the body and reducing the feeling of fatigue and weakness.
• Contributing to the normal cognitive function.
• Contributing to normal metabolism and energy production.
• Contributing to the maintenance of the normal condition of the skin.
• Contributing to normal functioning of the nervous system.
• Contributing to the normal production of thyroid hormones and normal function of the thyroid.

BEFORE TAKING NEOPHOLIC IODINE

Do not take NEOPHOLIC IODINE if

• You have had an allergic reaction to any of the tablet ingredients. 
• You have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, autonomous nodal struma, hyperthyroidism, and leukaemia, except in cases when the folic acid deficiency needs to be treated.

HOW SHOULD NEOPHOLIC IODINE BE TAKEN?

Our daily requirement of folic acid and iodine is 200 μg folic acid and 150 μg iodine.  This need increases during pregnancy. In international practice, the dose of 400 μg of folic acid and 200 μg of iodine has been established as the adequate daily dose that is sufficient to make up for the increased folic acid and iodine requirements of pregnant women.

Unless your doctor has prescribed otherwise, take 1 tablet of NEOPHOLIC IODINE daily.

Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.

To avoid missing your daily dose, make the intake of NEOPHOLIC IODINE a part of your daily routine, just as you brush your teeth, walk your dog, drink your cup of coffee in the morning, take a shower, or comb your hair.

WHEN TO START?

To ensure the normal progress of your pregnancy, it is recommended that you start taking NEOPHOLIC IODINE during the first three months of pregnancy. In the case of an unintended pregnancy, start taking NEOPHOLIC IODINE as soon as you have found out that you are pregnant.

SOMETHING VERY IMPORTANT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Folic acid and iodine are compounds which quickly lose their effect and properties under the influence of external factors, such as humidity, light, or improper storage. If the tablets are in a bottle or in bulk, their molecules disintegrate into inactive ingredients, and no preventive effect can be guaranteed. When the tablets are in a blister with a non-transparent foil, each tablet is isolated from external influences. In this condition, their shelf-life increases to up to 2 years. NEOPHOLIC IODINE tablets are packaged in a blister with non-transparent white foil, which blocks the destructive effect of sunlight. Do not use the product if the integrity of the packaging is compromised.

Folic acid is a water-soluble compound which does not accumulate in the body and is eliminated within several hours after intake. In order to maintain sufficiently high levels of folic acid in the female body and the foetus, folic acid must be taken every day.

Women at a higher risk of having a baby with a congenital neural tube defect need a higher dose of folic acid. If you belong to this group, consult your doctor. You will most likely need to take 4 mg of folic acid daily (10 tablets of Neopholic), as prescribed, for at least 1 to 3 months before you get pregnant and during the first three months of your pregnancy.

NEOPHOLIC IODINE ENSURES

• Adequate folate and iodine levels in the mother’s body
• Activity of the substance throughout the entire shelf-life
• The precise dose recommended on the basis of the international experience
• Compliance with the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia
• Satisfying every woman’s daily needs of folic acid and iodine NEOPHOLIC IODINE is recommended by the Bulgarian Scientific Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

STORAGE

Keep NEOPHOLIC IODINE in its original packaging at a temperature of up to 25°С and out of the reach of children.

Do not use the product after its expiry date or if the integrity of the packaging is compromised.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

WHAT IS SPINA BIFIDA?

Spina bifida is a serious congenital defect of the spinal cord. This defect affects the spinal cord, the vertebrae, and the muscles and skin forming the spinal cord. It occurs during the formation of the brain and the spinal in the fourth week of the pregnancy, i.e. six weeks after the last menstrual period. In most cases, this happens before women are aware that they are pregnant.

Depending on the severity of spina bifida, the defect can be visible on the back of the baby, but there are no visible anatomic malformations in milder cases. The most severe forms of spina bifida, when the entire spinal canal is open, are incompatible with life. Milder forms may be associated with persistent weakness in the legs, reduced sensitivity, and walking difficulties. These forms often lead do disabilities. The mildest forms of spina bidifa are accompanied with bowel and bladder symptoms, including urine incontinence and impaired control of bowel movements.

Every woman may have a baby with spina bifida, even when there is no data indicating such a defect in the parent’s family history.
Approximately 1 in every 1000 babies is born with spina bifida and, additionally, 1 in every 1000 babies is born with another neural tube defect. Supplementation with 400 μg (0.4 mg) of folic acid for 1 month before getting pregnant and during the first three months of the pregnancy ensures adequate folate levels in the mother’s body and reduces the risk of spina bifida.