Description:

Acti Folic Acid Food Supplement 90’s (often branded as Acti Folic Acid 400mcg or similar by UK manufacturers) is a dietary supplement providing folic acid (vitamin B9) in tablet form. It supports maternal tissue growth during pregnancy (helps prevent neural tube defects in the developing baby), aids red blood cell formation, reduces tiredness/fatigue, supports normal immune function, and contributes to amino acid synthesis. It is commonly taken by women planning pregnancy, during early pregnancy, or those with increased folate needs (e.g., due to diet, malabsorption, or certain medications). In Ghana (Accra), it is a popular, affordable imported folic acid supplement available in pharmacies (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy, Beybee Pharmacy) for preconception and prenatal support.

Prescription:

Over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplement. No prescription required; freely available in pharmacies and retail outlets in Ghana. Consult a doctor, gynecologist, or pharmacist before use, especially during pregnancy, if you have health conditions, or are on medications (e.g., methotrexate, anticonvulsants that affect folate).

Therapeutic Category:

Vitamin Supplement / Folate (Folic Acid) Preparation (Nutritional support for folate requirements, particularly in pregnancy and blood health).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Folic acid (pteroylmonoglutamic acid) – 400 mcg (0.4 mg) per tablet (standard dose for pregnancy prevention of neural tube defects). Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, silicon dioxide, and possibly a film coating (e.g., hypromellose). Tablets are usually small, round, yellow or white, and scored.

Vitamins:

Yes – Folic acid (Vitamin B9 / Folate) 400 mcg per tablet.

Minerals:

None (unless a combined variant with iron or other nutrients; standard Acti Folic Acid is folic acid only).

Variant:

• Acti Folic Acid 400mcg Tablets 90’s (standard 400 mcg strength; 90-tablet bottle for 3-month supply). Related variants: Acti Folic Acid + Iron (combined haematinic), Acti Folic Acid 5mg (higher dose for deficiency treatment), or other brands like Pregnacare Folic Acid or generic folic acid. The queried 90’s is the common 400mcg pack.

Consume Type:

Oral – Tablet (swallow whole with water; do not crush/chew).

Directions/Usage:

Take 1 tablet daily (400 mcg dose) with or without food.

• Women planning pregnancy: Start at least 1 month before conception and continue through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
• During pregnancy: Continue daily as advised (often part of prenatal multivitamin).
• General use: 1 tablet daily for folate support.
• Do not exceed recommended dose unless prescribed (higher doses for diagnosed deficiency under medical supervision).

Common Side Effects:

Folic acid is very safe at 400 mcg; side effects are rare/mild:

• Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, bloating, loss of appetite).
• Bitter taste in mouth.
• Rare: Allergic reactions (rash, itching) or sleep disturbances. High doses (>1 mg/day) long-term may mask vitamin B12 deficiency—consult doctor if concerned.

Package Type:

Plastic bottle or tub of 90 tablets (with child-resistant cap; often white/opaque bottle with label showing nutritional info, dosage, and expiry; may include desiccant packet).

Storage Advice:

Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature (below 25–30°C), away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep tightly closed. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Dietary supplement—not a substitute for balanced diet or medical treatment.
• Consult doctor before use if pregnant/breastfeeding (400 mcg safe and recommended), have epilepsy (some anticonvulsants affect folate), pernicious anemia (may mask B12 deficiency), or malabsorption issues.
• Do not exceed 1 mg/day long-term without advice (risk of masking B12 deficiency).
• If symptoms like fatigue persist, seek medical evaluation (blood tests for folate/B12/iron).
• Keep out of reach of children.

Product Substitutes:

Similar folic acid 400mcg supplements in Ghana (often 90’s or 30’s packs):

• Pregnacare Folic Acid 400mcg (Vitabiotics).
• Acti Folic Acid or generic folic acid 400mcg (various importers).
• Other brands like Solgar, Nature’s Bounty, or local generics (e.g., from Kinapharma or Entrance).
• Higher-dose 5mg folic acid tablets (prescription for deficiency). Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Beybee Pharmacy) for availability.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Acti (likely a branded supplement line; manufactured under private label or by UK/EU producers for export). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked at outlets like Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy).

Country of Origin:

United Kingdom (England; as indicated in listings and common for Acti-branded vitamins imported to Ghana; often produced in UK facilities or under UK quality standards).