# Folic Acid in Nigeria

Folic Acid has 41 active NAFDAC registrations in our October 2026 copy of the register, from 29 registration holders; 51 further listings have lapsed.

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/folic-acid/
- Drug class: Water-soluble B vitamin (folate) (Vitamins & Supplements)
- Also known as: Folate, Vitamin B9
- Prescription required: no
- On the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- Last updated: October 2026

## Price in Nigeria

As of October 2026, Folic Acid sells for about ₦1,100 for syrup online in Nigeria at HealthPlus and Supermart.ng; tablets ₦1,125. The online price is roughly unchanged since July 2026. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.

## 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. It is available without a prescription from pharmacies, patent medicine stores, and health centres throughout the country. Nigerian pharmaceutical companies including Emzor and Tuyil hold NAFDAC registrations for folic acid made in Nigeria, supporting steady supply across the country. 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?

- 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

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- 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: 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 (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

Do not take if: 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.

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 in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Emzor Folic Acid (Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, made in Nigeria); Dizpharm Folic Acid (Dizpharm Nigeria Limited, made in Nigeria).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/folic-acid/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. Ensure the product has a valid NAFDAC registration number printed clearly on the packaging
2. Verify the NAFDAC number through the NAFDAC website (www.nafdac.gov.ng) or the NAFDAC mobile verification app on Android and iOS
3. Buy folic acid only from licensed pharmacies, accredited patent medicine stores, or government health facilities — avoid purchasing from unlicensed vendors or open markets
4. Check the expiry date and batch number on the packaging before use
5. Inspect the tablets for consistent colour, size, and shape — genuine folic acid tablets should be uniform in appearance
6. If purchased from a government antenatal clinic or primary health centre, the tablets should come from approved suppliers in the national drug supply chain

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## FAQs

### When should I start taking folic acid if I am planning to get pregnant?

You should start taking folic acid at least one month before you plan to conceive, though ideally two to three months before is even better. This is because the baby's neural tube (which develops into the brain and spinal cord) forms very early in pregnancy — within the first 28 days after conception — often before many women even know they are pregnant. By starting folic acid early, you ensure that adequate folate levels are present in your body at this critical time. In Nigeria, many healthcare providers recommend that all women of childbearing age who are sexually active and not using contraception should take folic acid regularly, as many pregnancies are unplanned. The recommended dose for prevention of neural tube defects is 400mcg daily for low-risk women and 5mg daily for women with additional risk factors.

### Do men need to take folic acid?

While folic acid is most commonly associated with pregnancy, men can also benefit from adequate folate intake. Folate plays a role in DNA synthesis and cell division, which is important for sperm production. Some research suggests that adequate folate levels in men may support healthy sperm quality and count. Folic acid is also important for red blood cell production and can help prevent folate deficiency anaemia in men. Men with conditions that increase folate requirements, such as sickle cell disease, those taking certain medications, or those with poor dietary intake should consider supplementation. However, for the average healthy Nigerian man eating a balanced diet, a specific folic acid supplement may not be strictly necessary — the B vitamins obtained from a varied diet or a multivitamin may be sufficient.

### Can I take folic acid and iron tablets at the same time?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, taking folic acid and iron (ferrous sulfate) together is the standard practice in Nigerian antenatal care. The two are so commonly co-prescribed that many pharmaceutical companies produce combined iron-folic acid tablets specifically for pregnant women. Both iron and folic acid are essential during pregnancy — iron prevents iron deficiency anaemia (which is very common in Nigerian women), while folic acid prevents neural tube defects and folate deficiency anaemia. The WHO recommends daily iron and folic acid supplementation for all pregnant women. You can take them at the same time, preferably with a meal, and adding Vitamin C (such as drinking orange juice) can enhance iron absorption. Some women find that iron causes constipation or nausea, but these side effects are usually manageable.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)