MEDICAL INFORMATION: Farcovit B12® is a dietary supplement. The following information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your physician or pharmacist before starting any supplement, especially if you have chronic medical conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take prescription medications.
Farcovit B12®: Liver Support & Vitamin B-Complex Formula
Manufacturer
PHARCO Pharmaceuticals, Egypt.
Category & Key Ingredients
- Category: Dietary supplement — liver support / B-complex formula.
- Key ingredients (per capsule, as provided): Vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cyanocobalamin), Calcium D-pantothenate, Niacinamide, Folic acid, Biotin, Inositol, Orotic acid, Cynara (artichoke) extract, Safflower oil, Essential phospholipids (e.g., lecithin).
Summary
Farcovit B12® is a combined B-vitamin and liver-support supplement formulated to supply water-soluble B vitamins together with lipotropic and hepatoprotective ingredients (inositol, orotic acid, artichoke extract, phospholipids and safflower oil). It is intended to support metabolic processes, fatty-acid handling, and general nutritional requirements that may be increased in metabolic stress or mild liver dysfunction. It is not a treatment for established liver disease (e.g., viral hepatitis, cirrhosis) and should be used under medical guidance when there are underlying conditions.
Available Forms & Strengths
- Soft gelatin capsules, pack sizes commonly 24 or 30 capsules (confirm local pack and leaflet for exact composition and strengths).
Typical Composition (example per capsule — confirm local leaflet for exact amounts)
| Ingredient | Typical amount (per capsule) | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Thiamine (B1) | ~2 mg | Energy metabolism cofactor |
| Riboflavin (B2) | ~1 mg | Redox cofactor (FAD/FMN) |
| Pyridoxine (B6) | ~2 mg | Amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis |
| Cyanocobalamin (B12) | ~10 µg | Red blood cell formation, neurologic function |
| Calcium D-pantothenate (B5) | ~5 mg | CoA precursor, energy metabolism |
| Nicotinamide (B3) | ~10 mg | NAD/NADP precursor |
| Folic acid | ~0.5 mg (500 µg) | One-carbon metabolism, DNA synthesis |
| Biotin (B7) | ~0.1 mg (100 µg) | Carboxylase cofactor (fatty acid metabolism) |
| Inositol | ~50 mg | Phospholipid precursor; lipotropic effects |
| Orotic acid | ~20 mg | Pyrimidine nucleotide precursor; proposed cell-repair support |
| Cynara / Artichoke extract | ~50 mg | Traditional hepatobiliary support (bile flow stimulant) |
| Safflower oil | ~150 mg | Source of linoleic acid; lipid carrier |
| Essential phospholipids (lecithin) | ~10 mg | Membrane phospholipids; may support hepatocyte membrane integrity |
How Farcovit B12® Works
- B-vitamins: Serve as essential cofactors for energy generation, amino-acid and nucleotide metabolism, erythropoiesis and nervous system maintenance.
- Lipotropic / hepatoprotective ingredients: Inositol and phospholipids contribute to lipid transport and membrane repair; artichoke extract is traditionally used to stimulate bile secretion and may support fat digestion; orotic acid is a pyrimidine precursor that has been used in some liver support formulations to support cellular regeneration (evidence variable).
- Combined effect: May help metabolic balance and support recovery in states of mild hepatic stress or nutritional deficiency when used as part of a comprehensive medical plan.
Indications
- Dietary supplementation where increased B-vitamin intake is desired.
- Adjunctive support for mild, non-specific liver/metabolic fatigue where clinician recommends nutritional support.
- Supportive use during convalescence, poor dietary intake, or increased metabolic demand.
- Not indicated as monotherapy for diagnosed liver disease (viral hepatitis, cirrhosis) or as a substitute for medical treatment.
Dosage & Administration
- Typical recommended dose: 1–2 capsules, three times daily after meals, or as directed by a healthcare professional. Follow the product leaflet for the exact local recommendation.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose. Take with food to improve tolerability (lipid components are better absorbed with meals).
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have chronic illness (especially renal or hepatic), consult a physician before use.
Pharmacokinetics (General Notes)
Because Farcovit B12® is a multi-ingredient nutritional supplement, pharmacokinetic behaviour varies by component. Below are general, evidence-based notes for major classes of ingredients:
- Water-soluble B-vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, biotin, niacin, pantothenate): Absorbed mainly in the small intestine (some by active transport mechanisms), distributed in body fluids, not extensively protein-bound, and excess amounts are typically excreted renally. B12 absorption may require intrinsic factor and intact gastric/terminal ileal function; impaired absorption (e.g., pernicious anemia, resection, chronic PPI use) reduces B12 bioavailability.
- Inositol: Readily absorbed from the gut, incorporated into phospholipids and signalling molecules; metabolized in tissues and excreted in urine.
- Orotic acid: Absorbed and converted intracellularly into pyrimidine nucleotides (uridine monophosphate pathway); systemic pharmacokinetic data are limited in humans at supplemental doses.
- Lipid components (safflower oil, phospholipids): Fatty acids are absorbed via micelle formation and transported in chylomicrons through lymphatics; phospholipids can incorporate into cell membranes or be metabolized to phosphatidylcholine and related compounds.
- Herbal extract (artichoke): Constituents (e.g., cynarin) are variably absorbed; hepatic metabolism occurs and metabolites are eliminated renally; evidence for systemic exposure and PK parameters varies by extract preparation.
Drug Interactions
- Metformin: Chronic metformin therapy is associated with decreased vitamin B12 absorption and lower serum B12 concentrations. If you take metformin, monitor B12 status and discuss supplementation with your physician.
- Proton pump inhibitors / H2-blockers: Long-term acid suppression can reduce B12 absorption from food; supplemental B12 (as in this product) may be helpful but discuss needs with your clinician.
- Cholesterol-lowering bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine): May reduce absorption of fat-soluble carriers and some nutrients if taken simultaneously; separate dosing by several hours.
- Anticoagulants (warfarin) & omega-6 oils: Large changes in dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid intake can theoretically alter anticoagulant response; if you are on warfarin, inform your prescriber before starting supplements containing significant oil fractions and monitor INR if therapy or diet changes.
- Herbal/plant-drug interactions: Artichoke has cholagogue actions and may affect bile flow; in theory this could alter absorption of certain drugs cleared via bile—discuss with your clinician if you take narrow-therapeutic-index agents.
- Diagnostic interference: High supplemental B-vitamin intake can affect some laboratory assays (e.g., folate/B12 testing) — inform laboratory/clinician if you are supplementing.
Side Effects & Precautions
- Farcovit B12® is generally well tolerated at recommended doses. Mild adverse events may include gastrointestinal upset (nausea, soft stools), allergic reactions (rare), or skin reactions in sensitive individuals.
- If you develop rash, persistent GI symptoms, jaundice, or other concerning signs, discontinue and seek medical advice.
- Use with caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient (e.g., soy/lecithin allergens if present in the capsule).
- High doses of certain B vitamins (especially pyridoxine) over prolonged periods may have adverse effects; adhere to recommended dosing and medical supervision for long-term use.
Storage
- Store in a cool, dry place below 25–30°C, protected from excessive heat and direct sunlight (follow local pack instructions).
- Keep out of reach of children.
Patient Counseling
- Take Farcovit B12® after meals to improve tolerability and absorption of lipid components.
- Inform your healthcare provider about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, and other supplements you are taking.
- If you are on metformin, PPIs, anticoagulants, or have liver or kidney disease, consult your physician before use.
- Supplements complement but do not replace standard medical treatment for liver disease or systemic illness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Farcovit B12® a treatment for hepatitis or cirrhosis?
No. It is a dietary supplement intended to support nutritional status and mild metabolic/liver support; it is not a substitute for disease-specific medical treatment.
Can I take this long-term?
Long-term use should be supervised by a healthcare professional, especially if you have chronic disease, renal impairment, or are taking interacting medications.
Will it interact with my prescription medicines?
Most single-dose supplements are low risk, but certain interactions (e.g., metformin lowering B12, bile sequestrants reducing absorption) exist. Discuss with your prescriber.
References
- Office of Dietary Supplements (NIH): Factsheets on B vitamins and nutrient absorption. NIH ODS
- PubMed / NCBI: Reviews on artichoke (Cynara scolymus) and hepatoprotective effects; and on inositol and phospholipids in liver support. PubMed
- Examine.com: Evidence summaries for inositol, artichoke extract and common B-vitamins. Examine
- Product leaflet: Farcovit B12® — PHARCO Pharmaceuticals (consult local leaflet for exact composition and local guidance).
Comments
Post a Comment