Friday, 18 October 2024 14:26

Health Canada recalls JAMP Pharma pregnancy multivitamins

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Health Canada has issued a recall for certain JAMP Pharma pregnancy multivitamins after discovering that some products contain folic acid levels exceeding the acceptable limit. The recall affects specific lots of multivitamin tablets distributed in multiple Canadian provinces, including Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec.

 

JAMP Pharma multivitamins affected by recall

The recall involves blue tablet forms of JAMP Pharma multivitamins with specific concentrations. The affected products contain 1.1 milligrams of folic acid, 12 micrograms of vitamin B12, and 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D3. Health Canada has identified that these multivitamins exceed the acceptable intake limit for a compound called N-nitroso-folic acid, which raises health concerns.

The recalled products carry the drug identification number (DIN) 02535718 and belong to lot number LKE08. Although the recall notice does not specify the exact timeframe when the products were sold, the distribution occurred across various retailers in the aforementioned provinces.

Consumer guidance from Health Canada

Health Canada advises consumers to verify whether their multivitamin products are part of the recall. It is recommended that individuals consult their health-care providers before discontinuing the use of the product or if they have any health-related concerns. Additionally, Canadians are encouraged to reach out to JAMP Pharma, the recalling firm, for further information on the recall.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) emphasizes that all individuals who may become pregnant should take a multivitamin containing 0.4 milligrams of folic acid daily. The agency warns against exceeding a folic acid dose of more than 1 milligram per day without a health-care provider’s supervision, as excessive intake could mask a vitamin B12 deficiency.

The importance of folic acid in pregnancy

According to PHAC, folic acid is crucial for the normal development of a baby’s spine, brain, and skull. Taking folic acid regularly can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects, which can result in stillbirth or lifelong disability.

While folic acid is naturally present in foods such as corn and dark green vegetables, PHAC notes that most women cannot meet the recommended daily intake through diet alone. This makes supplementation through multivitamins particularly important for individuals planning a pregnancy or who are already pregnant.

Next steps for consumers

Consumers impacted by this recall should take immediate action by verifying their product and consulting a health-care professional if necessary. Health Canada encourages anyone with concerns to contact the recalling firm for additional guidance. Maintaining the appropriate folic acid intake during pregnancy is essential for the health of both the mother and the developing baby.

source: Global News

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