Obimin Pluz Capsule

Obimin Pluz Capsule is a pre- and post-natal vitamin and mineral supplement in softgel capsule form, intended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Each softgel combines 12 vitamins, 7 minerals and 500mg of natural fish oil in a single once-daily capsule. This listing is for a pack of 30 softgels, which is a one-month supply at the recommended serving.

Each softgel provides 1000mcg of folic acid, 30mg of elemental iron (as ferrous sulfate), 150mcg of iodine, 100mg of calcium, 15mg of zinc, vitamin D 200 IU and vitamin C 100mg, together with vitamins A, E and the B group (B1, B2, B6, B12, biotin, nicotinamide and calcium pantothenate) plus magnesium, manganese and copper. Folate contributes to normal maternal tissue growth during pregnancy, iron is involved in normal red blood cell and haemoglobin formation, and iodine contributes to normal thyroid hormone production, all of which are needed in greater amounts during pregnancy.

What sets Obimin Pluz apart from a standard tablet multivitamin is its fish oil content: each softgel supplies 135mg of omega-3 fatty acids, including 105mg of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and 20mg of EPA. DHA is a structural fat found in the brain and the retina of the eye. The softgel shell is made from bovine gelatin, which is relevant for people who avoid certain animal sources, and because it contains fish oil it is not suitable for anyone with a fish allergy. The supplement is intended to support the diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding, not to replace balanced meals or the antenatal care plan advised by your doctor.

Swallow one softgel whole with a glass of water once a day. Do not chew or open the capsule. It may be taken with or without food, but taking it after a meal can reduce stomach discomfort and fishy aftertaste.

Because the softgel contains iron, take it at least 2 hours apart from tea, coffee, milk, separate calcium supplements and antacids, which can reduce iron absorption. Taking it at about the same time each day helps you stay consistent.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women: 1 softgel once daily, or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not exceed one softgel a day. Each softgel already contains 1000mcg of folic acid, which is the adult tolerable upper intake level for folic acid from supplements, and 30mg of iron, so do not combine it with other multivitamins, folic acid or iron products unless your doctor specifically advises it. If you miss a dose, take the next softgel at the usual time; do not take two at once.

Store as stated on the product label. Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and humidity, as softgels can soften or stick together in hot conditions. Keep the pack tightly closed. Because this product contains iron, store it well out of reach and sight of children.

• Common: Constipation, nausea or stomach discomfort, mainly related to the iron content.
• Common: Dark or black stools, which is a harmless effect of iron.
• Common: Fishy aftertaste, burping or mild indigestion from the fish oil.
• Common: Bright yellow urine caused by vitamin B2 (riboflavin), which is harmless.
• Serious: Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing; stop use and seek urgent medical care.
• Serious: Swallowing several softgels can cause iron poisoning, especially in children, with vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea or drowsiness; this needs emergency treatment.

• Do not take if you are allergic to fish or fish oil, or to any other ingredient, including the bovine gelatin softgel shell.
• Not suitable for people with iron overload conditions such as haemochromatosis or haemosiderosis, or those who receive regular blood transfusions, unless advised by a doctor.
• Do not use to self-treat undiagnosed anaemia; anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anaemia) needs medical assessment, as high-dose folic acid can mask it.
• Not intended for children.

• Thyroid medicine (levothyroxine): iron and calcium reduce its absorption; take levothyroxine at least 4 hours apart from this supplement.
• Certain antibiotics (tetracyclines such as doxycycline, and quinolones such as ciprofloxacin): iron, calcium, zinc and magnesium bind to these antibiotics; take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after the softgel, or follow your pharmacist’s advice.
• Antacids, proton pump inhibitors and separate calcium supplements: may reduce iron absorption; space them at least 2 hours apart.
• Antiepileptic medicines (phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproate) and methotrexate: folic acid can interact with these medicines; take this supplement only after discussing it with your doctor.
• Blood-thinning medicines (e.g. warfarin): fish oil and vitamin E may add to bleeding tendency at higher intakes; inform your doctor if you take an anticoagulant.
• Other vitamin A, folic acid or iron products: avoid combining with other multivitamins or single-nutrient folic acid or iron supplements unless advised, to prevent excess intake.
• Food and drinks: tea, coffee, milk and high-fibre cereals reduce iron absorption when taken at the same time; vitamin C-rich foods can improve it.

• Take your softgel after the same meal each day, such as lunch or dinner, to build a routine and reduce stomach upset.
• Leave a 2-hour gap between your softgel and tea, coffee or milk to help your body absorb the iron.
• If constipation is a problem, drink plenty of water and include fruit, vegetables and fibre in your meals.
• Do not add a separate folic acid tablet unless your doctor asks you to, as each softgel already contains 1000mcg.
• Tell your doctor at antenatal check-ups that you are taking Obimin Pluz so your blood tests and other supplements can be reviewed together.
• Store the pack where children cannot see or reach it, as iron-containing supplements are dangerous to young children.

Precautions: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control centre immediately. This product contains fish oil and a bovine gelatin shell. Each softgel supplies 1000mcg of folic acid, so avoid adding other folic acid sources unless your doctor advises it, and have your vitamin B12 status checked if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. Inform your doctor if you have a thyroid condition (because of the iodine content), a history of kidney stones, a blood disorder, or if you take other vitamins, minerals or regular medicines.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Before starting if you are already taking a prenatal supplement, have been prescribed iron or folic acid separately, or take thyroid medicine, antibiotics, antiepileptics or blood thinners. Seek medical advice if you have persistent constipation, black tarry stools with stomach pain, severe nausea, or signs of an allergic reaction, and seek emergency care at once if a child swallows any softgels.