PHARMACIST-REVIEWED GUIDE · PAKISTAN
Why folic acid matters before and during pregnancy, 400 mcg vs 5 mg explained, and prices of the brands available in Pakistan.
✓ English + اردو · ✓ Reviewed by Arhum Nadeem, Pharm-D · ✓ Prices checked Oct 2026
Medically reviewed by Arhum Nadeem, Pharm-D (8 years’ experience as a pharmacist) · Last reviewed: 17 October 2026
Folic acid tablet uses centre on one main job: preventing serious birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine (neural tube defects). Women planning a pregnancy should take 400 micrograms (mcg) every day, ideally from 3 months before trying to conceive until 12 weeks of pregnancy. Some women need a higher 5 mg dose on prescription. Folic acid is also used to treat folate-deficiency anaemia. In Pakistan, plain 5 mg folic acid tablets cost under Rs 100 per 100 tablets, while 400 mcg brands cost about Rs 400 to Rs 700.
Key points
Folic acid is the man-made form of folate, a B vitamin (B9) the body needs to make healthy red blood cells and new cells, including the cells of a growing baby. Its main uses are:
| Who | Daily dose | When |
|---|---|---|
| Most women planning a pregnancy | 400 mcg (0.4 mg) | From 3 months before conception until 12 weeks of pregnancy |
| Higher risk: diabetes; epilepsy or HIV medicines; you, your partner or a relative has a neural tube defect; a previous affected pregnancy; sickle cell or thalassaemia | 5 mg, on a doctor’s advice | Same timing, as prescribed |
| Folate-deficiency anaemia | Usually 5 mg | Often for about 4 months, as prescribed |
In Pakistan, many pharmacies hand out 5 mg tablets for pregnancy because they are cheap and widely stocked. A 5 mg tablet is 12.5 times the standard 400 mcg dose. It is safe in the short term for most women, but it’s a treatment dose. Ask your doctor which strength you need, and tell them if you’re taking it long term.
Divine Medicines prices, checked in October 2026. Prices can change.
| Product | Strength / form | Pack | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Folic Acid 5 mg | Folic acid 5 mg | 100 tablets | About Rs 90 |
| Nutrifactor Folic Acid 400 mcg | Folic acid 400 mcg | 60 tablets | About Rs 713 |
| Herbiotics Folic Acid | Folic acid | 60 tablets | About Rs 713 |
| Mom Folic 400 mcg | L-methylfolate 400 mcg | 30 tablets | About Rs 404 |
| Mom Folic 600 mcg | L-methylfolate 600 mcg | 30 tablets | About Rs 504 |
| Iberet Folic-500 | Iron + folic acid + B vitamins + vitamin C | 30 tablets | About Rs 361 |
| Ferry-F | Iron + folic acid | 30 capsules | About Rs 340 |
| Prenate | Prenatal multivitamin and minerals | 30 tablets | About Rs 897 |
| Pregnovit | Prenatal multivitamin with iron and folic acid | 30 tablets | About Rs 1,609 |
Folic acid or methylfolate? The evidence that prevents neural tube defects comes from studies of folic acid, and guidelines recommend folic acid. L-methylfolate products (such as Mom Folic) are an alternative some doctors use. Ask your doctor before choosing one instead of folic acid.
Folic acid is very well tolerated. Uncommon side effects include feeling sick, loss of appetite, bloating or wind. Allergic reactions are rare. Stop and get help if you develop a rash with swelling or difficulty breathing.
Taking high doses for a long time can hide the signs of vitamin B12 deficiency while the nerve damage from it continues. Older adults and anyone taking folic acid for months should have their B12 checked. See our guide to vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms.
Folic acid tablets are still needed in pregnancy, because diet alone rarely provides enough. Good food sources include spinach (palak), chickpeas (chanay), lentils (daal), broccoli, peas, oranges and fortified cereals.
فولک ایسڈ وٹامن بی کی ایک قسم ہے جو خون کے نئے خلیے بنانے میں مدد دیتی ہے۔ اس کا سب سے اہم استعمال حمل سے پہلے اور حمل کے شروع میں ہے، کیونکہ یہ بچے کے دماغ اور ریڑھ کی ہڈی کے پیدائشی نقص کا خطرہ کم کرتی ہے۔
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Folic acid ki goli ka sab se ahem istemal hamal se pehle aur shuru ke 12 hafton mein hai. Yeh bache ke dimagh aur reerh ki haddi ke paidaishi naqs ka khatra kam karti hai. Aam khurak roz 400 microgram hai. 5 mg sirf doctor ke mashwaray par lein, jaise sugar, mirgi ki dawai ya pehle bache mein naqs ki soorat mein. Pakistan mein folic acid 5 mg ki 100 goliyan taqreeban Rs 90 ki hain, aur 400 mcg brands Rs 400 se Rs 700 tak.
Mainly to prevent neural tube defects in babies when taken before and in early pregnancy, and to treat folate-deficiency anaemia. Doctors also prescribe it with certain medicines and blood disorders.
Only if your doctor recommends it. Most women planning a pregnancy need 400 mcg a day. 5 mg is for higher-risk pregnancies and for treating deficiency.
Ideally 3 months before trying to conceive. If you’re already pregnant and haven’t started, start straight away and continue until 12 weeks.
No. Folic acid doesn’t increase fertility. It protects the baby’s development once you conceive.
Men don’t need folic acid for pregnancy planning. They should only take it if a doctor finds a deficiency or prescribes it.
Yes, at normal doses. Many women continue a prenatal vitamin while breastfeeding; ask your doctor what suits you.
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the pack leaflet and follow the dose on the label or prescription.
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