Key Facts
- Drug Class
- Water-soluble B vitamin (folate)
- Prescription
- Over the counter
- NAFDAC Status
- NAFDAC Registered
- Forms
- Tablet
- Price Range
- ₦100 - ₦2,000
- WHO Essential
- Yes
What is Folic Acid?
Folic acid, also known as folate or Vitamin B9, is one of the most critically important supplements in Nigeria, particularly for women of childbearing age and pregnant women. It is virtually impossible to attend an antenatal clinic anywhere in Nigeria — from the teaching hospitals in Lagos, Ibadan, and Enugu to primary health centres in rural communities across the country — without being prescribed folic acid. This small, affordable tablet plays a monumental role in preventing devastating birth defects of the brain and spine known as neural tube defects, including spina bifida and anencephaly. Nigeria, with one of the highest birth rates in the world, has made folic acid supplementation a cornerstone of maternal healthcare, and it is included in the standard antenatal drug regimen recommended by the Federal Ministry of Health.
Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, a naturally occurring B vitamin found in foods such as dark green leafy vegetables (like ugu, spinach, and waterleaf), beans, groundnuts, and fortified cereals. However, many Nigerians do not get adequate folate from diet alone due to factors such as cooking methods that destroy folate, limited dietary diversity, and food insecurity in some regions. This makes supplementation essential, especially during pregnancy when folate requirements increase dramatically. Folic acid is also crucial for the production of red blood cells, and its deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anaemia, a condition characterised by the production of abnormally large and poorly functioning red blood cells.
Listed on the World Health Organisation's Essential Medicines List, folic acid is one of the most affordable medications available in Nigeria. A pack of folic acid 5mg tablets can cost as little as N100 to N500, making it accessible to women across all economic levels. It is available without a prescription from pharmacies, patent medicine stores, and health centres throughout the country. Major Nigerian pharmaceutical companies including Emzor, Shalina, and Tuyil manufacture folic acid locally, ensuring a steady supply across all states. The drug is frequently prescribed in combination with ferrous sulfate (iron tablets), and many combined iron-folic acid tablets are also available in the Nigerian market, simplifying the pill burden for pregnant women.
What is Folic Acid used for?
In Nigeria, Folic Acid is commonly used for:
- Prevention of neural tube defects (spina bifida, anencephaly) in developing babies — the single most important reason folic acid is prescribed in Nigeria, ideally started before conception and continued through the first trimester
- Treatment of folate deficiency anaemia (megaloblastic anaemia), which can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath
- Routine supplementation during pregnancy as part of the standard antenatal care regimen in Nigerian health facilities
- Pre-conception supplementation for women planning to become pregnant, to ensure adequate folate levels before the neural tube forms in early pregnancy
- Supporting red blood cell production and preventing anaemia in individuals with increased folate requirements, including people with sickle cell disease
- Supplementation in patients taking medications that deplete folate, such as methotrexate, certain anti-epileptic drugs, and sulfasalazine
Dosage
IMPORTANT
Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. The information below is for general reference only.
Adults
For prevention of neural tube defects in pregnancy: 400mcg (0.4mg) daily for women with no risk factors, or 5mg daily for women with a history of neural tube defect-affected pregnancy, those with diabetes, epilepsy, or sickle cell disease, or those taking anti-epileptic medications. For folate deficiency anaemia: 5mg daily for 4 months. For general supplementation: 400mcg to 5mg daily.
Children
Children under 1 year: 50mcg daily. Children 1-3 years: 70mcg daily. Children 4-6 years: 100mcg daily. Children 7-12 years: 150mcg daily. Higher therapeutic doses may be prescribed by a doctor for specific conditions. Folic acid tablets can be crushed and mixed with a small amount of water for young children who cannot swallow tablets.
Elderly
Standard adult doses apply. Elderly individuals are at increased risk of folate deficiency due to reduced dietary intake and absorption. A daily dose of 400mcg to 5mg is commonly used. Importantly, folic acid supplementation can mask the symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency, which is common in the elderly — a doctor should check B12 levels before starting long-term folic acid therapy.
For neural tube defect prevention, folic acid should ideally be started at least one month before conception and continued through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, as the neural tube forms very early — often before a woman knows she is pregnant. This is why many health authorities recommend that all women of childbearing age take folic acid regularly. Folic acid can be taken with or without food. It is commonly combined with iron supplements in pregnancy.
Side Effects
Common side effects
- •Folic acid is very well tolerated and side effects are rare at recommended doses
- •Mild nausea or bloating in some individuals
- •Slight bitter taste when swallowed without water
Serious side effects — seek medical help immediately
- Allergic reactions including skin rash, itching, or breathing difficulties (extremely rare)
- High-dose folic acid can mask the symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anaemia), potentially allowing neurological damage to progress undetected
- Very high doses (above 15mg daily) over prolonged periods may cause abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, and sleep disturbances
When to see a doctor
Consult a doctor if you experience any allergic reaction such as rash, itching, or swelling after taking folic acid. If you are elderly and taking folic acid, ask your doctor to check your Vitamin B12 levels to avoid masking a B12 deficiency. Seek medical attention if you develop any unusual symptoms such as persistent numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, which could indicate an underlying B12 deficiency.
Warnings & Precautions
Do not take Folic Acid if you have:
- Do not take if you have a known allergy to folic acid or any inactive ingredients in the tablet
- Should not be used as the sole treatment for pernicious anaemia (B12 deficiency anaemia), as it can mask the condition while neurological damage continues
- Use with caution in patients with undiagnosed anaemia — a proper diagnosis should be made before starting folic acid to rule out B12 deficiency
Drug interactions
- •Methotrexate — folic acid may reduce the effectiveness of methotrexate when used for cancer treatment, but is often co-prescribed with low-dose methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis to reduce side effects
- •Anti-epileptic drugs (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital) — these medications deplete folate levels, increasing the need for supplementation, but high-dose folic acid can reduce their effectiveness; close monitoring is needed
- •Sulfasalazine — reduces folate absorption, making supplementation important for patients on this medication
- •Trimethoprim and pyrimethamine (used in antimalarial treatment) — these drugs work by inhibiting folate metabolism in parasites and bacteria; folic acid supplementation does not interfere with their antimicrobial action but discuss with your doctor
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Folic acid is not only safe but strongly recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is one of the most important supplements a pregnant woman can take. Every antenatal clinic in Nigeria prescribes folic acid as a standard part of pregnancy care. Ideally, women should start taking folic acid before conception and continue throughout pregnancy. The standard dose is 400mcg daily for low-risk women and 5mg daily for high-risk women. Folic acid passes into breast milk and is safe during breastfeeding, helping to replenish the mother's folate stores depleted during pregnancy.
Brands of Folic Acid in Nigeria
3 brands available in Nigeria.
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Strength | Form | NAFDAC Reg. No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emzor Folic Acid | Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries | 5mg | Tablet | 04-0268 |
| Shalina Folic Acid | Shalina Healthcare | 5mg | Tablet | |
| Tuyil Folic Acid | Tuyil Pharmaceutical Industries | 5mg | Tablet |
How to Verify Your Folic Acid is Genuine
- 1Ensure the product has a valid NAFDAC registration number printed clearly on the packaging
- 2Verify the NAFDAC number through the NAFDAC website (www.nafdac.gov.ng) or the NAFDAC mobile verification app on Android and iOS
- 3Buy folic acid only from licensed pharmacies, accredited patent medicine stores, or government health facilities — avoid purchasing from unlicensed vendors or open markets
- 4Check the expiry date and batch number on the packaging before use
- 5Inspect the tablets for consistent colour, size, and shape — genuine folic acid tablets should be uniform in appearance
- 6If purchased from a government antenatal clinic or primary health centre, the tablets should come from approved suppliers in the national drug supply chain
Folic Acid Price in Nigeria
Folic Acid prices in Nigeria typically range from ₦100 to ₦2,000 per pack, depending on the brand, strength, and where you buy it.
₦100 – ₦2,000
per pack
Prices vary by location and vendor. Last updated: 2026-02-01
Where to Buy
Purchase Folic Acid only from licensed pharmacies and verified distributors. Avoid buying medicines from unverified sources, roadside vendors, or unregistered market stalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- •NAFDAC Greenbook — National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control registered products database
- •WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (23rd List, 2023)
- •British National Formulary (BNF)
- •Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines