|
Neevo DHA
Neevo® DHA is a prenatal vitamin that is specially designed for older pregnant women, women with high-risk pregnancies, and women with a genetic inability to fully metabolize folic acid (an "MTHRF polymorphism"). In addition, it contains DHA, an important omega-3 fatty acid.
Neevo DHA is made by PAMLAB, LLC.
Neevo DHA contains a variety of different vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are important for a healthy pregnancy, and many pregnant women may not get enough of them, for various reasons. Perhaps most importantly, this prenatal vitamin contains Metafolin ®, a special form of folic acid. Folic acid is important to prevent certain birth defects, such as spina bifida.
This supplement also contains iron, calcium, and certain other vitamins and minerals.
Because Neevo DHA contains Metafolin instead of just regular folic acid, it is an ideal prenatal vitamin for women who cannot fully metabolize folic acid into its active form. Because Metafolin (also known as L-methylfolate) is already in the active form, it is ready to be used by the body with no metabolism necessary.
Like many of the newer prenatal vitamins, this product contains omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA. There is some evidence that DHA may provide a variety of different health benefits, including a decreased risk of preterm birth (having a baby prematurely), improved brain function, and improved vision.
Fish are the main source of DHA, and the typical American diet is usually deficient in it. In addition, since many pregnant women are instructed to limit their intake of certain fish due to risks of mercury toxicity, it is likely that many pregnant women are not getting enough DHA. The DHA in Neevo DHA comes from a plant-based source.
When and How to Take This Supplement
Some general considerations for when and how to take this prenatal vitamin include the following:
- Neevo DHA comes in the form of a soft gelatin capsule that is taken by mouth once daily.
- You can take this prenatal vitamin with food or on an empty stomach. The iron may be better absorbed on an empty stomach, but most women find that taking prenatal vitamins with a little food usually helps prevent stomach upset.
- You can take Neevo DHA at any time of the day, but try to take it at the same time each day.
- Let your healthcare provider know if you have trouble keeping Neevo DHA down or if it causes significant nausea or other intolerable side effects. Your healthcare provider may have some useful suggestions or may suggest trying a different prenatal vitamin.
- Although occasional missed doses are not of significant concern, it is important to try to take your prenatal vitamin regularly throughout pregnancy.
Dosing Information
There is only one standard recommended dosage for Neevo DHA. As is always the case, do not adjust this amount unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Neevo DHA
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Neevo DHA. However, not everyone who takes the vitamin will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious reactions are less common.
Some of the possible side effects with Neevo DHA (which are also common problems in pregnancy) include but are not limited to:
(Click Neevo DHA Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Neevo DHA if you have:
- Anemia
- A bleeding disorder
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose of Neevo DHA?
It is not known exactly what to expect from an overdose with Neevo DHA. It is reasonable to assume that side effects from too much of any of the active ingredients in it (particularly iron) might cause problems. If you think you or someone else may have taken too much Neevo DHA, seek immediate medical attention.
Neevo DHA should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children. This is particularly important, since Neevo DHA contains iron. Iron poisoning is a leading cause of poisoning deaths in children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take a dose of Neevo DHA, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
If you vomit after taking Neevo DHA, do not take another dose, as it is difficult to tell how much of the drug was absorbed into your body. If you regularly vomit after taking it, talk with your healthcare provider.
Is There a Generic Version of Neevo DHA?
Technically, there are no generic equivalents for prenatal vitamins since tests are not performed to make sure that the vitamins act the same way in the body. However, "generic" prenatal vitamins may be available that have similar active ingredients as Neevo DHA.
|
|
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
|
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation
|
|
