Sometimes when we go to see a doctor, they prescribe us a vitamin along with the medicine we are given for an illness, right? Or they tell us to take a nutritional supplement. So today we are going to talk about one such commonly seen combination. That is a capsule containing a combination of folic acid and lactobacillus. When you see this, some people may have a small question, "What is this?" Don't worry, let's talk about this simply.
What are these folic acid and lactobacillus?
Simply put, it's a combination of two important things that help your body. Let's see what they are.
1. Folic Acid
This is actually a type of vitamin B. To be precise, vitamin B9 . Folic acid helps prevent and treat conditions that occur when our body lacks a nutrient called folate.
Some of the main functions of folic acid are:
- Red blood cell production: This is essential for making red blood cells in our blood. If this is reduced, conditions like anemia can occur.
- Brain health: Folic acid also helps maintain good brain function.
- During pregnancy: This is very important for the development of the baby's nervous system, especially during the early stages of pregnancy.
2. Lactobacillus
This is the other important thing about this. Lactobacillus is a type of probiotic . Probiotics simply mean "good bacteria." We have both good and bad bacteria in our gut. So what this lactobacillus does is increase the amount of good bacteria in our gut and help maintain a balance in the digestive system .
Benefits of Lactobacillus:
- Makes digestion easier.
- Helps strengthen the body's immune system.
- It can also help prevent some diarrheal conditions.
The most important thing is, this is not a medicine that will cure a disease. This is a nutritional supplement . That is, something that will supplement your body's nutritional needs.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Okay, now let's say your doctor prescribed this medicine for you. Or let's say you're thinking about taking it. But before that, it's very important that your doctor is aware of these things. Because you need to be careful when using this with certain health conditions.
| Tell your doctor if you have these conditions. |
|---|
| If you are a regular drinker. |
| If you have a chronic disease. |
| If you have diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus). |
| If you have a weak immune system. |
| If you have certain anemia conditions, such as pernicious anemia or vitamin B12 deficient anemia. |
| If you have an allergic reaction to folic acid, lactobacillus, other B vitamins, other foods, or dyes. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How exactly do you use this?
The way to use this is very simple.
- This capsule should be taken by mouth.
- Take as directed by your doctor or as directed on the label.
- It is best to take it at the same time every day, between meals .
- Giving to children: If this is given to children, especially children under the age of 12, it is imperative to seek the advice of a pediatrician . Although it is prescribed in some selected cases, there are some things to be very careful about.
What do you do if you take too much?
Imagine you have taken more than the prescribed dose. If this happens, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital without delay . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
The doctor has given this to you only. Even if you have the same symptoms as me, do not give this to your friends or other family members.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Hey, did you forget to take your medicine? Don't worry. Take one dose as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Possible side effects of this medicine
Like any medicine, this one can cause minor side effects in some people. But most people don't. Let's take a look at what these side effects are.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Problems with the limbs | Pain, numbness, or loss of feeling in the arms or legs. |
| Difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Filling the stomach | Bloating /Gas. |
| Stomach ache | A condition such as stomach discomfort or inflammation (Upset stomach). |
What else should I be careful about when buying this?
Unlike the medicines we use in Sri Lanka, dietary supplements like this do not have such strict quality control or regulation. This means that their purity and quality can sometimes vary from one another. So, think about these things when using something like this.
Not everything labeled 'natural' is safe for humans.
- Read the label: Always read the product label carefully and follow the instructions on it.
- Buy from a trusted source: Always buy these from a trusted, reputable pharmacy or a reputable company . That way, you can have some confidence in the quality.
- Talk to your doctor: If your symptoms don't improve or seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor. Also, don't forget to tell your doctor about any other medications, herbs, or vitamins you're taking.
Take-Home Message
- Folic acid is a compound that supports blood and brain health, and lactobacillus is a compound that supports gut health and immunity.
- This is not a medicine that cures a disease, but a nutritional supplement that helps the body.
- Before using this, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Take it exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time, in the right amount. Do not share it with others.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing or allergic symptoms, seek immediate medical advice or assistance from a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
- Always buy these from a trusted source.
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