"Elevit" is a medicinal product that contains vitamins and trace element compounds that are indicated for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Active components:
- vitamins from group B (B1, B2, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12);
- D;
- PP;
- A;
- WITH;
- E.
Along with vitamin compounds, there are also mineral components in the form of easily digestible salts:
- sulfate: manganese, copper, zinc;
- iron in the form of fumarate;
- magnesium in the form of phosphate and stearate;
- calcium in the form of phosphate and pantothenate.
The Elevit vitamin complex is available in the form of tablets, available in packages of 10, 20, 30 or 100 pieces. They are grayish-yellow in color and may have a slight odor, which is normal. The drug is stored at normal room temperature no more than 25 degrees for a total shelf life of 2 years from the date of production. Sold in pharmacies without a doctor's prescription.
Compound
| Film-coated tablets | 1 table |
| active substances | |
| vitamins: | |
| Vitamin A (retinol palmitate) | 3600 ME |
| vitamin D3 (colecalciferol) | 500 ME |
| Vitamin E (α-tocopherol acetate) | 15 mg |
| vitamin C (ascorbic acid) | 100 mg |
| (as calcium ascorbate) | |
| folic acid | 0.8 mg |
| vitamin B1 (thiamine mononitrate) | 1.6 mg |
| vitamin B2 (riboflavin) | 1.8 mg |
| vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride) | 2.6 mg |
| vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) | 4 mcg |
| nicotinamide | 19 mg |
| biotin | 0.2 mg |
| calcium pantothenate | 10 mg |
| minerals and trace elements: | |
| calcium (in the form of calcium hydrogen phosphate, pantothenate, ascorbate) | 125 mg |
| magnesium (in the form of magnesium oxide, hydrogen phosphate trihydrate, stearate) | 100 mg |
| phosphorus (in the form of calcium hydrogen phosphate, magnesium hydrogen phosphate trihydrate) | 125 mg |
| iron (as ferrous fumarate) | 60 mg |
| zinc (as zinc sulfate monohydrate) | 7.5 mg |
| copper (in the form of copper sulfate) | 1 mg |
| manganese (as manganese sulfate monohydrate) | 1 mg |
| excipients: glyceryl distearate - 8.25 mg; gelatin - 1.71 mg; MCC - 66.12 mg; sodium carboxymethyl starch - 55 mg; povidone K90 - 32.2 mg; povidone K30 - 1.67 mg; lactose monohydrate - 45.78 mg; mannitol - 58.9 mg; magnesium stearate - 15 mg; macrogol 400 - 10 mg; ethylcellulose - 10 mg | |
| film shell: hypromellose - 9 mg; ethylcellulose aqueous dispersion - 3 mg; macrogol 6000 - 2.5 mg; talc - 6 mg; titanium dioxide (E171) - 3 mg; iron dye yellow oxide (E172) - 1.5 mg |
Indications for use of the drug Elevit Pronatal when planning pregnancy
Elevit Pronatal is used when planning pregnancy and during it for the following purposes:
- for the prevention and treatment of hypovitaminosis and vitamin deficiency, deficiency in the body of mineral salts and microelements, since both on the eve of pregnancy and during this physiological process, as well as during lactation and breastfeeding, the need for them is increased;
- to increase the likelihood of successful conception and ensure optimal nutrition of the embryo at the earliest stages of its development;
- to reduce undesirable symptoms in the first half of pregnancy (dizziness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting);
- for the prevention of congenital anomalies of fetal development, primarily neural tube defects, since Elevit Pronatal significantly reduces the percentage of the most common congenital defects;
- for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as iron deficiency anemia, as well as a lack of folic acid in the body of pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Pharmacodynamics
Elevit® Pronatal is a medicinal product containing 12 essential vitamins, 4 minerals and 3 trace elements. The amount of vitamins and minerals corresponds to the doses recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Vitamin A is involved in the synthesis of various substances (proteins, lipids, mucopolysaccharides) and ensures the normal function of the skin, mucous membranes, and the organ of vision.
Vitamin B1 normalizes the activity of the heart and contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system.
Vitamin B2 promotes tissue regeneration processes, incl. skin cells.
Vitamin B6 helps maintain the structure and function of bones, teeth, gums, and affects erythropoiesis.
Vitamin B12 is involved in erythropoiesis and contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system.
B vitamins are involved in the formation of various enzymes that regulate different types of metabolism in the body.
Vitamin C is involved in the oxidation of a number of biologically active substances, regulation of metabolism in connective tissue, carbohydrate metabolism, blood clotting and tissue regeneration, stimulates the formation of steroid hormones, and normalizes capillary permeability.
Vitamin D3 plays an important role in maintaining the balance of calcium and phosphorus in the body of a pregnant woman. With vitamin D deficiency, children develop rickets.
Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant.
Biotin takes part in metabolic processes and promotes protein absorption.
Calcium pantothenate is involved in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
Folic acid stimulates erythropoiesis and prevents the formation of congenital malformations (neural tube defects) in the fetus.
Nicotinamide takes part in redox processes and ensures the transfer of hydrogen and phosphate.
Calcium is involved in the formation of bone tissue, blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, and contraction of skeletal and smooth muscles.
Magnesium is involved in the formation of muscle and bone tissue, and also takes part in protein synthesis.
Iron is part of the hemoglobin molecule, participates in the transport of oxygen in the body and prevents the development of anemia, incl. during pregnancy.
Phosphorus, along with calcium, is involved in the formation of bones and teeth, as well as energy metabolism processes.
Manganese promotes bone mineralization.
Copper is necessary for normal red blood cell function and iron metabolism.
Zinc is necessary for the normal formation of the fetal skeleton and tissue regeneration; it is part of some hormones, including insulin.
"Elevit" for pregnant women: indications and contraindications
The main indications for use of the drug are deficiency of vitamins and minerals:
- hypovitaminosis (lack of vitamins);
- vitamin deficiency (lack of necessary vitamins);
- deficiencies of calcium, phosphorus, iron and other microelements;
- prevention of anemia;
- metabolic corrections, especially at the pregnancy planning stage;
- pregnancy, lactation (at all stages).
Contraindications are mainly associated with excess content of certain vitamins and mineral compounds in the body or diet. You should not take the drug if you have the following disorders:
- excess of any of the vitamins;
- excess magnesium, phosphorus, calcium;
- iron absorption disorders;
- rapid excretion of calcium in the urine;
- pathologies of the liver, kidneys (including urolithiasis, nephrolithiasis);
- stones in the kidneys.
Contraindications
increased individual sensitivity to the components of the drug;
hypervitaminosis of vitamin A and/or D;
hypercalcemia;
hypercalciuria;
severe form of renal failure;
iron metabolism disorders;
disorders of copper metabolism (Wilson's disease);
lactose intolerance, lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption (the drug contains lactose).
With caution: liver and kidney diseases; urolithiasis disease.
Side effects
Allergic reactions to the components of the drug are possible (urticaria, facial swelling, skin hyperemia, rash, anaphylactic shock). If allergic reactions occur, you must stop taking the drug and consult a doctor.
From the gastrointestinal tract: abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
Hypercalciuria.
Headache, dizziness, insomnia, and increased excitability may occur.
There may be a bright yellow color to the urine. This effect is harmless and is explained by the content of riboflavin in the drug.
This medicine contains iron, which may cause your stool to turn black. This effect is harmless and has no clinical significance.
Bottom line
Instead of a conclusion, I would like to say the following: Elevit Pronatal is considered by many doctors to be a good complex of vitamins and minerals, which has a positive effect on a woman’s body during pregnancy. But its use by men who do not have hypovitaminosis due to the substances in the drug can lead to hypervitaminosis and side effects.
Can men drink Elevit? In some cases, taking it is actually advisable. But it is not recommended to make decisions about such vitamin therapy on your own. It is better to first consult with a specialist.
Have you come across examples where Elevit was prescribed to a man?
Interaction
Vitamin C enhances the effect and side effects (including the appearance of crystals in the urine) of antimicrobial agents from the sulfonamide group.
Iron absorption may be impaired by concomitant use of antacids, fluoroquinolones, bisphosphonates, levodopa, levothyroxine, penicillamine, antibiotics containing tetracycline or trientine. If simultaneous use with one of these drugs is required, they should be used 2-3 hours before or after Elevit® Pronatal.
Medicines containing calcium, magnesium, iron, copper or zinc may interact with antacids, antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones), levodopa, bisphosphonates, penicillamine, thyroxine, trientine, digitalis, antivirals, thiazide diuretics, and medications used to treat conditions associated with acidity disorders. The interval between taking these drugs and Elevit® Pronatal should be 2 hours.
Comparison table of vitamin compositions for pregnant women
A comparison table of vitamins for pregnant women will help you make the right choice. The comparison was made taking into account the composition of the complex, including the chemical forms of the most important vitamins and minerals.
| Complex | Description | Vitamins | Minerals* | Additionally |
| Pregnoton Mom | Contains Omega-3, the active form of folic acid (methylfolate) and a safe form of iron - liposomal. | B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, folic acid + calcium L-methylfolate, B12, C, D3, E, biotin | Iron in liposomal form, I, Se, Zn | Omega-3 DHA |
| Elevit Pronatal | The composition has not changed for more than 25 years. There are no important substances, such as iodine. | A, B1, B2, B5, B6, folic acid, B12, PP, C, D3, E, biotin | Iron (fumarate), Ca, phosphorus, Mg, Zn, copper, Mn | |
| Vitrum Prenatal | The dosage of folate and iron has been increased to compensate for losses during absorption. But high levels of ferrous fumarate often lead to nausea and constipation. | A, B1, B2, B6, folic acid, B12, PP, C, D3, E | Iron (fumarate), Ca, Zn | |
| Femibion Natalcare (1 and 2) | Contains the active form of folic acid (methylfolate). Cons: Lack of important minerals such as iron. | B1, B2, B5, B6, folic acid + L-methylfolate, B12, PP, C, E | Omega-3 DKG (only in Natalcare 2) | |
| Alphabet Mom's health | 3 tablets per day. Each tablet has a different composition for better absorption of the components and reduce the risk of allergies. Inconvenient to accept. | A (beta-carotene), B1, B2, B5, B6, folic acid, B12, PP, C, D3, E, K, biotin | Electrolytic iron, copper, Mg, Mn, Se, Zn, molybdenum, Ca, chromium, phosphorus, I | L-taurine |
| Complimentary Mom | Affordable price. There are many complaints about allergies and adverse reactions. | A, B1, B2, B6, folic acid, B12, PP, C, D2, E | Iron (fumarate), Ca, Mg, phosphorus, copper, Zn, Mn | |
| Complivit Trimester (I, II and III) | 3 different complexes, one for each trimester. | A, B1, B2, folic acid, B5, B6, B12, PP, C, D3, E, P | Iron (fumarate), copper, Se, Mn, Ca, Mg, Zn, I | Lipoic acid, lutein |
* Ca – calcium, I – iodine, Mg – magnesium, Mn – manganese, Se – selenium, Zn – zinc
From the comparison table of vitamins for pregnant women, it can be seen that the drugs have both common and individual features. But it is very difficult to dwell on each component, so it is worth highlighting the most important aspects.
IODINE CONTENT The presence of this mineral is especially important for Russian women, because... Almost all regions of the Russian Federation experience iodine deficiency. Research by the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences has shown that Russian women receive only a third (27–37%) of the daily requirement for iodine during pregnancy. And a lack of iodine can lead to improper intrauterine development of the child. Also, iodine deficiency causes thyroid diseases in mother and baby. It has been proven that iodine deficiency is associated with an increased risk of toxicosis, missed abortion and spontaneous miscarriage, and labor abnormalities. Contain iodine: Alphabet Mom's Health, Complivit Trimester, Pregnoton Mama, Femibion. No iodine: Vitrum Prenatal, Complivit Mama, Elevit Pronatal.
CALCIUM CONTENT Not all vitamin and mineral complexes contain calcium, the situation with which is ambiguous. Insufficient intake of calcium into the body of a pregnant woman can lead to growth retardation in the fetus, since calcium is a building material for bones. If there is a lack of calcium in a newborn, rickets occurs. Naturally, a deficiency of this substance is also dangerous for a woman - her bone mineral density decreases, convulsions develop, her teeth are more susceptible to disease, her nails and hair become brittle. However, for calcium, the golden mean is important. Its excess can also negatively affect the course of pregnancy and childbirth. Thus, against the background of excess calcium, calcium salts can be deposited in the placenta, and the nutrition of the fetus is disrupted. With excess calcium, the pregnant woman’s kidneys also suffer, and eclampsia develops. The risks of birth injuries increase, because the bones of the female pelvis are more difficult to separate, and the baby’s skull becomes stiffer than normal. Calcium can also dramatically reduce iron absorption as they compete for absorption. And iron deficiency is very dangerous for pregnant women. Obstetricians and gynecologists believe that taking calcium tablets is indicated only with clinical and laboratory confirmation of hypocalcemia. In these cases, much more calcium is needed than can be “fitted” into a tablet or capsule with other vitamins and minerals; a “regular” calcium-containing complex for pregnant women will not solve the problem. Normally, a woman needs a balanced diet, in particular, the consumption of fermented milk products. Contain calcium: Alphabet Mom's Health, Vitrum Prenatal, Complivit Mama, Complivit Trimester, Elevit Pronatal. Does not contain calcium: Pregnoton Mama, Femibion.
VITAMIN A Vitamin A is another controversial vitamin. Not all experts welcome its inclusion in complexes for pregnant women. It accumulates in the liver; excess of this vitamin has a toxic effect and can cause problems in the development of the fetus. Only the “plant” form has been proven safe - beta-carotene, or provitamin A. From it, the body itself synthesizes vitamin A when the need arises. Therefore, when answering the question of how to choose the right vitamins for pregnant women, it is worth emphasizing that you need to study the composition of the drug. Vitamin A should only be provided by beta-carotene. The need for beta-carotene, by the way, can also be met by a complete and balanced diet, especially orange, yellow and red vegetables and fruits. Contains vitamin A: Alphabet Mom's Health (in the form of beta-carotene), Vitrum Prenatal, Complivit Mama, Complivit trimester, Elevit Pronatal. Do not contain vitamin A: Pregnoton Mama, Femibion.
OMEGA-3 Recently, scientists have been paying special attention to polyunsaturated fatty acids of the Omega-3 class. These compounds are necessary for the formation and development of the baby’s brain and vision, the proper formation of his nervous system and immunity. Studies have shown that children who receive sufficient amounts of Omega-3 (mothers took during pregnancy and breastfeeding in the form of supplements) have a reduced likelihood of allergic reactions, and cognitive development is ahead of their peers in the first year of life. The expectant mother also needs these same substances. Omega-3 reduces blood viscosity and, when taken regularly, prevents the development of thrombosis in pregnant women. Omega-3 is also very important for a woman’s nervous system. Pregnant women who took Omega-3 supplements have been shown to have a marked reduction in the likelihood of postpartum depression. Is it possible to meet the body's need for Omega-3 fatty acids with just nutrition? It turns out that pregnant women urgently need one of the Omega-3s - docosahexaenoic acid. And its source is only fatty sea fish - mackerel, sardines and anchovies. But there are hardly any women who eat this fish every day, and even in sufficient quantities. It is impossible to find the required form of Omega-3 in plant foods; it contains alpha-linoleic acid, but its biochemical significance for cells is somewhat different. In fact, the only way to ensure Omega-3 intake in the body is to consume it additionally in the form of supplements. Contains Omega-3 PUFAs: Pregnoton Mama, Femibion 2.
Overdose
An overdose of the drug can cause hypervitaminosis of vitamins A and D, hypercalcemia, as well as an overdose of iron and copper.
Symptoms of acute overdose: sudden headache, confusion, as well as gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
Treatment: you must stop taking the drug and consult a doctor.
An overdose of vitamin C (more than 15 g) can cause hemolytic anemia in some patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Treatment: symptomatic, drug withdrawal, gastric lavage.
Vitamins "Elevit": instructions
The drug is taken in the amount of 1 tablet per day, preferably in the morning, 15-20 minutes after breakfast. There is no need to violate the dosage - it is enough to take 1 tablet, since it contains all the essential microelements and vitamins in a daily dose.
The duration of the course ranges from several weeks to several months - throughout all trimesters of pregnancy. Subsequently, the course can be continued during lactation, in consultation with the doctor.
If the dosage is violated, symptoms such as:
- vomit;
- nausea;
- prolonged constipation;
- severe pain in the head.
In these cases, symptomatic treatment is indicated, using drugs for the head, stomach or intestines.
special instructions
The drug should be taken in accordance with the recommended doses.
When taking other vitamins or multivitamin-mineral complexes, including dietary supplements and/or fortified foods/drinks containing vitamin D, A, synthetic isomers isotretinoin and etretinate or beta-carotene, consult a doctor, since increased doses of the latter may cause vitamin hypervitaminosis D and A.
Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery. There is no data on the effect of the drug on the speed of psychomotor reactions when driving a car and working with precision mechanisms.
How to use Elevit Pronatal when planning pregnancy
It should be remembered that Elevit Pronatal is a complex drug that contains vitamins that can not only benefit, but also harm the pregnant woman and the fetus. In this regard, it is necessary to adhere to the recommended doses and observe the frequency of taking tablets. Thus, at the stage of pregnancy planning, it is recommended to take one Elevit Pronatal tablet per day. They are consumed fifteen minutes after a meal, washed down with a sufficient amount of water.
Taking Elevit Pronatal tablets should begin three months before the planned conception and continue throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. The course of the drug is determined by the doctor depending on whether it will be therapeutic or preventive. The dosage depends on the individual characteristics of the pregnant woman.
