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The 7 Best Folate Supplements, According to Dietitians

Folate is needed for blood health and to make new cells

Best Folate Supplements

Verywell Health / Brian Kopinski

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin found naturally in foods such as dark leafy greens, beans, nuts, and peas and in a variety of fortified bread, cereal, and grain products. It's needed for several bodily functions, including making DNA and RNA and producing healthy red blood cells. It may also play a role in heart health, protein metabolism, and even mental health.

Some people are at higher risk of folate deficiency and may benefit from supplementation, including those trying to conceive or pregnant, people with alcohol use disorders, those with digestive conditions that impair absorption (e.g., celiac and inflammatory bowel diseases), and people with genetic conditions that prevent folic acid from being converted to its active form.

To compile our list of the best folate supplements, our dietitians analyzed the latest research on the forms of folate and the ideal dosage, spoke with trusted experts in the field, examined supplements on the market, and prioritized independently verified products.

What Registered Dietitians Want You To Know

Form of folate: Folate is typically used as the general term used to describe the various forms of vitamin B9. You'll find two types of folate supplements on the market: Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate used in supplements and fortified foods because it is heat-stable and less expensive. Folic acid is converted to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) in the liver. Methylfolate (also called L-5-MTHF, 5-methyl-folate, L-methylfolate, or 5-MTHF) and folinic acid are active forms of folate found in some supplements that do not require conversion by the liver. Emerging research shows that people may benefit more from these active forms of folate, particularly those with the MTHFR gene mutation.

How much to take: The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for folate are measured in micrograms (mcg) of dietary folate equivalents (DFE), which account for the different absorption rates of folate from food versus folic acid. According to the National Institutes of Health, the RDAs for folate for adults ages 19 and older is 400 mcg DFE. During pregnancy, it increases to 600 mcg DFE and 500 mcg DFE during lactation. The established Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for folate from fortified foods or supplements is 1,000 mcg. Taking too much folate from supplements or fortified foods can hide a vitamin B12 deficiency and potentially cause other complications.

Seek a professional if: Folate supplements may interfere with certain medications such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine, diuretics, NSAIDs, immunosuppressants, barbiturates, and some anti-seizure medications, so check with a healthcare provider before you start this or any supplement.

CDC Pregnancy Recommendations

The CDC recommends that people who are or may become pregnant take 400 mcg of supplemental folic acid daily (regardless of whether they have the MTHFR gene mutation) because that is the more studied form that has been proven to reduce Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) in babies.This recommendation assumes you will meet the additional 200 mcg of folate (to meet the 600 mcg RDA) from foods, including fortified foods. Note that many prenatal vitamins contain at least this amount of folic acid, so you may not need an additional individual folate supplement.

Editor's Note

Our team of registered dietitians reviews and evaluates every single supplement we recommend according to our dietary supplement methodology. From there, a registered dietitian on our Expert Review Board reviews each article for scientific accuracy.

Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs and to find out what dosage to take.

Pros
  • Independently verified

  • Vegan

  • Budget-friendly

Cons
  • Dose does not meet pregnancy and lactation needs

Key Specs:

Form: capsule | Type: (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-MTHF) | Dose: 400 mcg DFE of 5-MTHF | Independently Certified: Yes | Servings Per Container: 90

Who's It For

Best for general use to meet the RDA for non-pregnant men and women.

Why We Recommend It

Doctor’s Best Fully Active Folate is our top pick as it's an affordable, independently verified supplement—meaning it's been tested for ingredient amounts and contaminants. Doctor's Best delivers 400 mcg DFE of the metabolically active form of folate called (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, which is a form of folate that the body can immediately use. It also contains 40 mg of vitamin C, which is added to stabilize the folate molecule.

Doctor’s Best Fully Active Folate is gluten-free, non-GMO, and suitable for vegans. It is recommended to take this pill once daily between meals.

Keep In Mind

This supplement falls 200 mcg short of the 600 mcg RDA during pregnancy, so if you take it during pregnancy, be sure you're getting some folate from your diet or fortified foods to meet your needs.

Pros
  • Provides folate in the active forms

  • Provides other nutrients needed for pregnancy

  • Capsules can be opened and mixed into smoothies

Cons
  • Large serving size of 8 capsules per day

  • Expensive

Key Specs:

Form: Capsule | Type: L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate calcium, calcium folinate (5-MTHF and folinic acid) | Dose: 1,360 mcg DFE (800 mcg) | Independently Certified: Yes | Servings Per Container: 30

Who's It For

Best for women trying to conceive, pregnant, or lactating, that are looking for a comprehensive prenatal multivitamin.

Why We Recommend It

FullWell Prenatal Multivitamin was made with the most recent research on the best forms of folate for fertility and pregnancy in mind. As a result, this prenatal vitamin has evidence-based forms and doses of folate, along with other nutrients needed during pregnancy. FullWell contains the active forms of folate, L-5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate calcium, and calcium folinate (folinic acid). In addition to delivering 1,360 mcg DFE (800 mcg) of folate, FullWell also contains the active forms of vitamin B12, magnesium, choline, and calcium to support a healthy pregnancy.

It’s crucial to get enough folate before becoming pregnant to reduce the risk of NTDs (Neural Tube Defects), and the CDC recommends taking folic acid if you are pregnant. However, emerging research suggests that taking methylfolate may be better than taking folic acid. Folic acid is found in many prenatal supplements, but as mentioned, it requires conversion to active folate in the liver, and some people lack the enzyme to do this.

FullWell is independently verified and uses non-GMO ingredients. This supplement can be purchased one time or as an auto-renewing subscription service.

Keep In Mind

This supplement contains a higher dose of folate (800 mcg per serving) and high amounts of other nutrients, so it may be better for those with a more limited diet. FullWell Prenatal Multivitamins do not contain iron and omega-3 fatty acids, two important nutrients during pregnancy. They recommend taking these supplements separately to target your individual needs and improve absorption. Also, the serving size is eight capsules per day, which can feel overwhelming. However, they can be opened up and mixed into smoothies or other cold beverages to make them easier to take.

Pros
  • USP verified

  • Easy to swallow

  • Budget-friendly

Cons
  • Not suitable for those who can’t metabolize folic acid

Key Specs:

Form: Tablet | Type: Folic acid | Dose: 665 mcg DFE (400 mcg folic acid) | Independently Certified: Yes | Servings Per Container: 250 

Who's It For

This is the best option if you are looking to boost your folate intake but don't have any digestive concerns that impact absorption (celiac disease, for instance) and don't have the MTHFR gene mutation.

Why We Recommend It

We love that Nature Made Folic Acid is USP verified, which means it’s independently verified for ingredients and doesn’t contain harmful contaminants. The small, easy-to-swallow tablets deliver 400 mcg of folic acid, the daily recommended amount for adults.

There are 250 tablets in this budget-friendly bottle of Nature Made Folic Acid, which will last you eight months. Nature Made Folic Acid is also gluten-free and doesn’t contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Keep In Mind

Because this contains folic acid (not the active form), it may not be the best choice for those with digestive issues that impact absorption or those with the MTHFR gene mutation.

Pros
  • NSF Certified

  • Contains at least 100% of all eight B vitamins

  • Slow-release tablet

Cons
  • May not be suitable for people who can’t metabolize folic acid 

  • Contains spirulina, which may not be beneficial for all

Key Specs:

Form: Tablet | Type: Folic acid | Dose: 667 mcg DFE (400 mcg folic acid) | Independently Certified: Yes | Servings Per Container: 120

Who's It For

This supplement is a good choice if you have a limited diet (including vegans and vegetarians), are an older adult, are recovering from bariatric surgery, or have certain gastrointestinal disorders that may put you at higher risk for B vitamin deficiencies.

Why We Recommend It

B-complex supplements provide folate plus all the other B vitamins, which play important roles in the body, including energy metabolism, memory, and mood. Nutrilite Vitamin B Dual Action delivers not only 400 mcg of folic acid—the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults—but has the other B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, biotin, and pantothenic acid. We also like that it is NSF Certified—one of our recommended independent verification organizations.

A B vitamin complex may be particularly beneficial if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet and may not get enough B vitamins through food. Older adults, people recovering from bariatric surgery (who are limited in how much they can eat), and people who are suffering from gastrointestinal disorders that limit the absorption of nutrients may benefit from a B complex rather than just a folate supplement.

Keep In Mind

Note this folate supplement is not a good fit for those who can’t metabolize folic acid, and it isn't high enough of a dose for pregnancy and lactation needs. Because it contains several other nutrients, if you take other supplements, ensure you do not exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL). Also, it contains spirulina, which can lower blood pressure, slow blood clotting, increase immune system activity, and lower blood sugar. However, this small dose may not have an effect. Please talk to a healthcare provider before starting this supplement if you are taking medication for diabetes, immunosuppressants, or anticoagulants.

Pros
  • Tablet size less than one centimeter

  • Vegan, kosher, free from common food allergens

  • Budget-friendly

  • Also contains vitamin B12

Cons
  • Not suitable for people who can’t metabolize folic acid

Key Specs:

Form: Tablet | Type: Folic acid | Dose: 1,360 mcg DFE (800 mcg folic acid) | Independently Certified: No | Servings Per Container: 250

Who's It For

Best for those who are following a vegan diet and need a higher dose of folate (twice the RDA).

Why We Recommend It

If you don’t like swallowing big pills, NOW’s folic acid supplement is for you. Each tablet is less than 1 centimeter in size, making it easy to take, and it is an inexpensive folate option. One tablet has 800 mcg of folic acid, which is twice the RDA for non-pregnant adults but less than the upper limit of 1,000 mcg per day. 

NOW Folic Acid also has 25 mcg (1,042% daily value) of vitamin B12 as cyanocobalamin. It can especially be important for those following a vegan diet to take B12 along with folate, as folate supplements could hide a vitamin B12 deficiency.

We appreciate that NOW conducts comprehensive in-house testing on the safety, purity, and quality of their supplements and that this supplement fits various dietary needs. It is vegan, free of common food allergens, kosher, halal, and non-GMO.

Keep In Mind

This supplement may not be the best choice for those who can’t metabolize folic acid because of an MTHFR gene variant. If you are already taking a B12 supplement or eating a good amount of animal protein, the B12 in this supplement may be excessive for you.

Pros
  • Contains active forms of folate & B12

  • Free of common food allergens

  • Vegan

Cons
  • Not independently certified

Key Specs:

Form: Capsule | Type: L-5-MTHF | Dose: 1,333 mcg DFE (800 mcg L-5-MTHF) | Independently Certified: No | Servings Per Container: 60

Who's It For

This is best for anyone at higher risk of a B12 deficiency, such as those following a vegan diet, have had gastric surgery, or have gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn's disease. It's also a good choice for those who cannot effectively metabolize folic acid.

Why We Recommend It

Pure Encapsulations B12 and Folate contains the active forms of folate and vitamin B12. It has 1,333 mcg DFE (800 mcg L-5-MTHF) of methylfolate and 800 mcg of vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin. 

Folate and B12 together support healthy blood cells and energy metabolism. Also, a deficiency in folate or vitamin B12 can cause megaloblastic anemia. This condition is when the body produces abnormally large blood cells that don’t function properly. Plus, taking too much folate can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency. This is why it's important to have an adequate intake of both vitamin B12 and folate, and this supplement combo helps ensure you get enough of each.

Pure Encapsulation B12 and Folate is vegan, making it a good option for those who consume a plant-based diet and are at a higher risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. (Vitamin B12 is found naturally in animal products.) It's also gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO.

Keep In Mind

While they aren’t certified by one of our preferred independent organizations, Pure Encapsulation’s ingredients are tested for identity, potency, contaminants, metals, and allergens. Also, note that this high dose of B12 and folate may not be necessary for those who eat a balanced diet, including animal protein.

Pros
  • Contains the active form of folate

  • Contains the active form of vitamin B12

  • NSF Certified for Sport

Cons
  • Expensive 

  • Does not contain RDA for pregnancy needs, and does not contain iron

Key Specs:

Form: Capsule | Type: 5-MTHF | Dose: 400 mcg as 5-MTHF | Independently Certified: Yes | Servings Per Container: 30

Who's It For

This is a great pick for anyone looking for a comprehensive multivitamin with adequate amounts of folate. It's also a good choice for competitive athletes as it's NSF Certified for Sport.

Why We Recommend It

While most multivitamins have folic acid, we like that Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day is a multivitamin with the active form of folate, 5-MTHF. Along with methylfolate, Thorne also provides 600 mcg of vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin—the active form of vitamin B12 naturally found in food.

Thorne is a reputable supplement brand and is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it is independently verified for label ingredients, amounts, contaminants, and prohibited substances in athletics. Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day is free of gluten, dairy, soy, and artificial flavors.

This multivitamin also includes 100% of your daily value needs for essential vitamins and minerals—like vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and zinc—making this a well-rounded option if you don't get much variety in your diet.

Things To Consider

This multivitamin is a good source of most vitamins and minerals, but note it does not have iron and is low in calcium. Also, this dose does not meet the 600 mcg RDA for pregnant women - we recommend a prenatal multivitamin to target the unique needs of those pregnant or trying to conceive.

Benefits of Folate Supplements

Many people eating a varied and balanced diet get enough folate from food, however, some people might benefit from a folate supplement.

  • People of childbearing age. Half of pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, and most people don’t find out they are pregnant until the neural tube has already been formed. Therefore, having adequate folate before becoming pregnant is crucial. The CDC recommends that women of reproductive age take 400 micrograms (mcg) per day of folic acid and folate from food to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Some healthcare providers recommend taking methylfolate instead of folic acid since it doesn’t have to be converted in the body.
  • Pregnant people. Your folate needs increase in pregnancy from 400 mcg of folic acid per day to 600 mcg a day. If you are planning to become pregnant or are already pregnant, it is recommended to take a prenatal vitamin with 600 mcg of folic acid starting at least one month before becoming pregnant.
  • People with certain genetic conditions. If you have taken a genetic test and learned that you have a methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene variant (the most common one is MTHFR 677 CT) that prevents folic acid from being converted to the active form of folate, your provider might recommend you take a supplement with methylfolate, even though the CDC recommends folic acid. Even if you don’t have a genetic condition that interferes with folate, some providers still recommend methylfolate over folic acid. This is because recent research shows that more people than originally thought may have difficulty converting folic acid to methylfolate, and unmetabolized folic acid in the body may carry some risks. "Roughly half of the population has an impaired ability to use folic acid, so this is a much bigger issue than a lot of people realize," says Ayla Barmmer, MS, RD, LDN, registered dietitian and founder of FullWell.
  • People with alcohol use disorder. Alcohol interferes with folate absorption, and people with alcohol use disorder might consume a diet low in folate.
  • People with malabsorptive disorders. Digestive conditions like celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease can reduce the absorption of folate.A healthcare provider can give further guidance if a folate supplement would be helpful if you have one of these conditions.
  • People with MTHFR gene variants. Some people have a genetic variant of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and cannot fully convert folic acid into the active form of folate, 5-MTHF. “We don't know how many people have the MTHFR gene variation, not everyone gets this (sometimes very expensive) test. It's likely more people than what may have initially been estimated,” says Willow Jarosh, MS, RD, registered dietitian. Taking a folate supplement with methylfolate may be better than taking folic acid for this population. Note that research is ongoing for the best folate supplement form for this population. The CDC still recommends taking 400 mcg of folic acid, not 5-MTHF. However, some healthcare providers disagree, and emerging research shows that 5-MTHF may be superior. Jarosh, for instance, recommends the methylated version for this reason.
  • People with depression. Studies show that supplements with methylfolate can help improve symptoms in people with depression, in both those who take antidepressants and those who don’t take antidepressants.

How We Select Folate Supplements

We support evidence-based and rooted-in-science supplements. To get our top picks for folate supplements, we combed the latest research and interviewed experts in the field, including physicians, dietitians, psychologists, and psychiatrists. We only pick products in line with research-backed guidelines; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here.

We thoroughly vet all supplement companies to ensure they have in-house or independent verification to ensure the accuracy and trustworthiness of the ingredients in their supplements. Supplements that are independently verified are sent to a lab for purity and potency to ensure they contain what they say they contain and do not contain any potential contaminants.

Our Experts

  • Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, CLEC, certified lactation educator
  • Shushy Rita Setrakian, MS, RD, Verywell Health commerce nutrition and supplements update editor
  • Willow Jarosh, MS, RD, is a certified intuitive eating counselor who works with clients in her private practice.
  • Ayla Barmmer, MS, RD, LDN, founder of FullWell
  • Kristin Brown, RD, prenatal dietitian

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the best form of folate to take?

    Getting folate from food is best unless you have higher needs, such as during pre-conception and pregnancy. If you're taking a supplement, Barmmer says, “Methylfolate is the best choice as it is more bioavailable and well tolerated, regardless of your genetics (re: MTHFR) and stage of life." 

    Barmmer adds that the active form of folate is also best for people who take medications that interfere with folate metabolism, like NSAIDs, diuretics, or immunosuppressants.

    It’s worth noting that the CDC recommends taking folic acid, not methylfolate. Check with your healthcare provider for what form of folate would be best for you.

  • Is it better to take folate or folic acid?

    “Choosing between folate and folic acid depends on a person's unique needs,” says Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, CLEC. The CDC recommends that those who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant take folic acid. However, many experts recommend taking folate in the active form, 5-MTHF. 

    Prenatal dietitian, Kristin Brown, RD, agrees, “There is some concern as to whether or not everyone can adequately convert folic acid into folate due to a variation in the MTHFR gene. And for that reason, I often recommend taking folate in the methylated form.”

  • How does folate interact with B12?

    Folate and vitamin B12 work together to make new blood cells. However, consuming too much folate can hide a vitamin B12 deficiency. Folate can correct anemia from lack of B12, but not underlying B12 deficiency, which can cause other complications, including nerve damage in the long term, if not diagnosed and treated. Therefore, ensuring you get adequate vitamin B12 from foods or supplements is important, especially if you are vegan or vegetarian.

Why Trust Verywell Health

Lainey Younkin, MS, RD, is a Registered Dietitian who works with women, many of whom are in perimenopause, to help them lose weight sustainably. She analyzed the latest nutrition research and spoke to trusted dietitians who specialize in hormones and menopause to compile the list of menopause supplements in this article.

20 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Lainey Younkin Verywell Fit

By Lainey Younkin, MS, RD
Lainey Younkin is a Weight Loss Dietitian with a virtual private practice. She has a Bachelor's in Food Science - Nutrition and Dietetics from Clemson University and a Master's in Nutrition Communication from the Tufts Friedman School. Her work has appeared in EatingWell Magazine, EatingWell.com, and Tufts Nutrition Magazine and she has been featured in Healthline, Everyday Health, The Today Show, and more.