Sakaal Times
29 November 2010
Pune, India

Nagpur–headquartered Zim Laboratories, which supplies Iron Folic Acid (IFA) capsules as part of the mid–day meal scheme implemented by the Department of Primary Education, has claimed that the capsules are absolutely safe.

A few non–governmental organisations had taken objection to distribution of the 150 mg capsules citing a Union Government letter which mentions that the dose of IFA should not exceed 20 mg for kids between six months and five years, while the dose should not exceed 30 mg for children aged between six years and ten years.

"Our IFA capsules are best suited for children between the ages of 11 and 18," Zim Laboratories brand manager Dr Omkar Bole told reporters here recently.

Dr Bole said Zim’s IFA capsules, Folron, are sustained release capsules as opposed to immediate release capsules. The sustained release capsules dissolve in the small intestine and not in the stomach and, so, the side–effects of nausea and vomiting are avoided. The immediate release capsules are known to cause such side–effects, he said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Primary Education has completed training of officials from Vidarbha, Marathwada, Konkan, Western Maharashtra and Khandesh so as to ensure success of the "Shaaley Poshan Aahar Yojana (Midday meal scheme)".